Abstract
Healthy salt marshes are known to provide protection from extreme events, such as storm surge. However, such systems are vulnerable to sea level rise, anthropological modifications that alter circulation, and decreasing sediment supply. Here, circulation in an anthropologically modified salt marsh, the Milford Neck Conservation Area, near Milford, DE, USA, is examined during typical and extreme event conditions. Two month-long deployments were used to assess the tidal circulation within the system and develop, calibrate, and validate to within 10% a numerical hydrodynamic model (CMS, Coastal Modeling System). Areas of tidal choking (rapid loss of tidal energy) are identified as contributing to poor circulation within large upland areas. Modeling results for existing tidal conditions and a 20-year storm surge event show that by removing constrictions and improving circulation, large ponded areas can become intertidal, which would allow for marsh re-colonization and reduction in open water areas.
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