Edge Of Pond Research Articles

Life-history of masked water snakes (Homalopsis buccata) in Java: implications for the sustainability of harvesting

Context Masked water snakes (Homalopsis buccata, Homalopsidae) thrive in the muddy edges of agricultural ponds and canals in densely populated areas of West Java, Indonesia, and are harvested by local farmers to protect fish stocks and to provide meat, skins, and medicines for commercial use. Aims Here, we aimed to quantify sexual dimorphism and reproductive biology of H. buccata, so as to deepen our knowledge of the species’ inherent ability to withstand commercial harvests. Methods We examined carcasses of 4286 snakes at six processing sites to quantify biological attributes (e.g. sexual dimorphism in body size and shape, seasonality of reproduction, fecundity, reproductive frequency), with emphasis on traits that affect the ability of snake populations to withstand this intensive harvesting. Key results The snakes we examined were primarily adults (<1% juvenile), with approximately equal numbers of males and females except in January (when females comprised >90% of specimens). Females grow larger than males, and they are more heavy-bodied but shorter-tailed than are males of the same snout–vent length. Reproduction is seasonal in both sexes, with testis volumes decreasing to a minimum over the period August to November (late dry season) when most adult-size females were gravid. Litter sizes ranged from 1 to 37 (mean 12), increasing with maternal body size, with ~75% of females reproducing each year. Conclusions On the basis of these results, we infer that the life history of H. buccata (viviparity, high fecundity, frequent reproduction, rapid maturation) renders it inherently resilient to harvesting, especially because that offtake is based on males as well as females. Because a lack of sustainability is evident only in hindsight, regular monitoring of the trade could assure that any problems are detected rapidly. Implications To further buffer these populations from the impact of harvest, hunting could be restricted during January (a time when gravid females are disproportionately vulnerable) and the largest snakes (females, with high fecundity and reproductive frequency) could be excluded from harvests.

Assessing long-term diatom changes in sub-Arctic ponds receiving high fluxes of seabird nutrients.

Algal bioindicators, such as diatoms, often show subdued responses to eutrophication in Arctic lakes because climate-related changes (e.g., ice cover) tend to be the overriding factors influencing assemblage composition. Here, we examined how sub-Arctic ponds historically receiving high nutrient inputs from nesting seabirds have responded to recent climate change. We present diatom data obtained from 12 sediment cores in seaduck-affected ponds located on islands through Hudson Strait, Canada. All study cores show consistently elevated values of sedimentary ẟ15N, an established proxy for tracking marine-derived nutrients, indicating seabirds have been present on these islands for at least the duration of the sediment records (~100 to 400 years). We document diverse epiphytic diatom assemblages to the base of all sediment cores, which is in marked contrast to seabird-free Arctic ponds-these oligotrophic sites typically record epilithic diatom flora prior to recent warming. Diatoms are likely responding indirectly to seabird nutrients via habitat as nutrients promote the growth of mosses supporting epiphytic diatom communities. This masks the typical diatom response to increased warming in the Arctic, which also results in habitat changes and the growth of mosses around the pond edges. Changes in sedimentary chlorophyll a were not consistently synchronous with large changes in ẟ15N values, suggesting that primary production in ponds is not responding linearly to changes in seabird-derived nitrogen. Across all ponds, we recorded shifts in diatom epiphytic assemblages (e.g., increases in % relative abundance of many Nitzschia species) that often align with increases in chlorophyll a. The changes in diatoms and chlorophyll a, although variable, are most likely driven by climate change as they are generally consistent with longer ice-free conditions and growing seasons. Together, our results show that to effectively use diatoms in animal population reconstructions across the sub-Arctic and Arctic, a strong understanding of eutrophication and climate change, based on supplementary proxies, is also required.

The Use of An Arduino Uno Ultrasonic Sensor in Desalination Equipment's Water Filling Control

A sensor called an ultrasonic sensor works by converting electrical quantities into physical quantities (sound) and vice versa. An Arduino Uno is required to activate the system's ultrasonic sensor. The reservoir's water level is determined using ultrasonic sensors. The purpose of this investigation is to learn how to put together, program, and utilize the HC-SR04 Arduino Uno ultrasonic sensor with the Arduino IDE (Integrated Development Environment) application. Controlling the water in the desalination system is required so that the water entering the reservoir does not waste or overflow and pollute the desalinated water. An ultrasonic sensor is attached to a seawater desalination system using the evaporation method, and the sensor is put on the edge of the evaporation pond in order to conduct experimental testing of the ultrasonic sensor on the device. The desalination tool can operate more efficiently and under control with the help of the HC-SR04 ultrasonic sensor by automatically filling the water in the evaporation pond. The sensor will automatically supply the water shortage when the seawater evaporates. Results of experimental observations made with the HC-SR04 ultrasonic sensor on an evaporation bath with three water filling cycles are available. so that after 7 days, 13% of the volume that was filled in the evaporation basin has evaporated.

Year-Round Bat Activity and Species Richness Near Temporary Ponds in the Mediterranean Region.

Mediterranean temporary ponds are recognized as conservation priority habitats that face anthropogenic threats and are important habitats for a number of aquatic and terrestrial animals and plants. Bats are a diverse group of animals that use ponds for drinking and feeding on emerging aquatic insects and terrestrial insects in the riparian zone. We investigated the importance of temporary ponds for bats in Greece by acoustically sampling bat community structures and activity at temporary ponds throughout the year. We sampled monthly, from 3 to 13 months in 2019-2020, at sites at the pond edge and approximately 150-300 m away from the edge, at four temporary ponds in northern and southern Greece. Our results confirm the importance of temporary ponds for bats as activity was recorded year-round and was high in all but the winter months. In general, the distance to the edge of the pond and the presence of water in the pond explained bat activity together with air temperature. Importantly, whether dry or not, all ponds supported bat activity, independent of their particular characteristics. This study highlights the urgent need for the conservation of temporary ponds, especially in areas with limited water availability.

Little brown bat activity patterns and conservation implications in agricultural landscapes in boreal Yukon, Canada

AbstractAgriculture can threaten the persistence of bat populations by removing forests and wetlands and by intensifying production. Both processes are underway in expanding agricultural landscapes of boreal North America. To inform land planning and agricultural practices aimed at maintaining a viable population of the little brown bat (Myotis lucifugus), we assessed the use by bats of human‐modified (open fields, forest‐field edges, and cleared edges of ponds) and unmodified (forest ponds and forest interior) habitat features in agricultural landscapes in southern Yukon, Canada (60° N–61° N), using acoustic recordings. We summarized bat activity (number of 3‐s acoustic files with ≥1 pass/night) and bat feeding (files with >1 feeding buzz/night) at grouped sets of habitat features (sites) and used generalized linear mixed models to test predictions about relative use of habitats. The active season for bats was late April to early October. Little brown bat feeding was strongly correlated with general activity, but feeding comprised a significantly higher proportion of all activity at forest ponds and forest interiors compared to field edges, open fields, and ponds in fields. Total bat activity was highest at forest ponds, followed by field edges, and substantially less in forest interiors and open fields. Forest ponds were used more than the edges of nearby ponds with some riparian clearing for fields. Bats increased use of forest interiors and decreased use of fields as duration of darkness decreased close to summer solstice. We recommend exclusion of ponds, lakes, and other wetlands from future agricultural land disposition, and retention of a riparian forested buffer of ≥40 m around current water bodies on farms. We also recommend retention of strips or patches of forest bordering fields and connected to riparian areas and to more extensive forests on public lands. A relatively young agricultural landscape can avoid some of the risks of intensive agriculture with proactive planning and stewardship.

Effects of secondary forest succession on the richness and composition of frog species in humid tropical forest

ABSTRACT Our aim was to evaluate whether the richness and composition of anurans responded to the time of forest regeneration via secondary succession. We sampled the anuran community in a mosaic of areas at three different stages of secondary succession in the Atlantic Forest, southern Brazil. The anurans were collected from nine lentic ponds and from their margins up to a 50 m radius. The late secondary forest sheltered the higher species richness, followed by the primary forest. The spatial variation in species richness was related to the forest succession stage and predominance of arboreal vegetation on the pond edge. The species composition changed throughout the succession stages, regardless of the distance among areas. Along the gradient of forest succession, environmental changes have driven species distribution, limiting the occurrence of forest species and favoring the colonization of areas at the early succession stage by opportunist species. We could observe that the secondary forest succession was a determining factor in the anuran community structure, and with the advancement of the secondary succession, both richness and composition were partly restored. Thus, the conservation of secondary forests might be an efficient strategy to preserve the biodiversity in areas of the Atlantic Forest.

Complete Genome Sequences of Pseudomonas sp. Strains MM223 and MM227 and Rheinheimera sp. Strain MM224, Isolated from a Pond Edge in Bielefeld, Germany

Pseudomonas sp. strain MM223, Pseudomonas sp. strain MM227, and Rheinheimera sp. strain MM224 were isolated from a muddy soil sample from the edge of a pond. Here, we present whole-genome sequences and phylogenetic classifications for all three bacterial isolates.

Plant Community, Soil and Microclimate Attributes after 70 Years of Natural Recovery of an Abandoned Limestone Quarry

With globally more than 100,000 km2 impacted by surface mining at present, and with increasing demand for surface-mined products, land managers are challenged to address landscape degradation of decommissioned quarries, especially in urban areas. In this study, soil, microclimate, and vegetation community data were collected from geomorphologically distinct locations (quarry floor, platform with pond, quarry top, highwall edge) within an urban limestone quarry abandoned 70 years ago without reclamation in central Missouri, USA. Results were compared with two nearby reference sites to bookend conditions in the abandoned quarry, including a recently closed quarry and an urban forest. Results of this study showed that abiotic mining legacies gave rise to distinct vegetation communities comprising 74 native species but also 21 non-native species. Species richness was increased near persistent edges (cliff edge, pond edge) and approached the lower range of species richness found in natural areas in the region. The results of this case study are congruent with the growing body of studies about spontaneous succession on abandoned surface mines worldwide in that spontaneous (vs. managed) revegetation can lead to species-rich, near-natural communities. This finding may justify revision of current legislation requiring technical reclamation of surface mines, especially where favorable substrate, such as limestone, is conducive to swift onset of revegetation. To improve the ecological value of such areas, the provision of funding for long-term invasive species management should also be considered.

Analysis of Changes In Mangrove Cover Using Landsat Imagery In Seruyan District

Mangrove forests have a very important role as a provider of environmental services and economic support. The existence of mangrove forests in Seruyan Regency has suffered significant damage. The purpose of this study was to determine the most dominant type of mangrove landcover conversion and to calculate the rate of change. The method of analyzing changes in mangrove landcover using multitemporal Landsat images with visual classification. The classification accuracy test reached a value of 88%. The results of spatial analysis with a span of 41 years found a decrease in mangrove landcover area of 69% with an average rate of change of 71 hectares per year. The dominant cause of the decline in mangrove landcover is the landclearing of ponds, which has an average rate of change of 82 hectares per year. This activity has an impact on decreasing the diversity of mangrove vegetation types. In mangrove forests found at least two to five types of mangroves with sparse to dense densities, whereas in ponds as a result of pond clearing they are only found on the edge of ponds with sparse densities.

Revision of Gymnoscirtetes (Orthoptera, Acrididae, Melanoplinae): a genus endemic to the grasslands of the southeastern North American Coastal Plain.

Gymnoscirtetes is endemic to the southeastern portion of the North American Coastal Plain and previously comprised two species: G.pusillus Scudder, 1897 and G.morsei Hebard, 1918. Here, this genus is revised based on male genital morphology and geographic data, and four new species are described: G.georgiaensis sp. nov., G.pageae sp. nov., G.rex sp. nov., and G.wadeorum sp. nov. Gymnoscirtetes is primarily associated with mesic grasslands such as pitcher plant bogs, flatwoods, and the edges of seasonal ponds, but can be found less commonly in a variety of other grasslands.

Beyond beaver wetlands: The engineering activities of a semi-aquatic mammal mediate the species richness and abundance of terrestrial birds wintering in a temperate forest

The engineering activities of the Eurasian beaver Castor fiber have far-reaching effects on the components of an environment and therefore modify the functioning of the ecosystem. The wetlands thereby created are the most conspicuous effect of beaver activity and attract water-related species. However, there is some evidence suggesting that beavers influence not only aquatic ecosystems but also the terrestrial habitats adjacent to these wetlands and the organisms occurring there. Because the impact of beavers on terrestrial birds is still poorly understood, this study evaluates the assemblage of birds wintering on beaver sites (N = 65) and paired reference sites (N = 65) in temperate forests of central Europe. We investigated the correlations between beaver presence, parameters of wetland areas, terrestrial vegetation characteristics, distance from the water’s edge and bird species richness and abundance. We found a greater species richness and abundance of wintering birds on beaver sites than on watercourses unmodified by this ecosystem engineer (by 38% and 61%, respectively). Species richness and abundance were higher in the terrestrial habitats near the edges of beaver ponds, but for some species this tendency also held in forests growing at some distance from beaver wetlands. Greater species richness was related to beaver presence, but also increased with a more open canopy and greater forest floor diversity, whereas bird abundance was correlated only with canopy openness. The beaver sites attracted primary cavity nesters, secondary cavity nesters and frugivorous species. This study provides evidence that the engineering activities of beavers during the growing season have a delayed cascading effect on the richness and abundance of the bird assemblage in terrestrial habitats in winter. This indicates that beaver ecosystem engineering should be seen as having a potential for carry-over effects, in which the consequences of beaver activity become apparent in subsequent seasons. Birds are considered to be ecological indicators, so our results highlight the importance of beavers for the distribution of terrestrial organisms at the local scale, and therefore the functioning of ecosystems beyond the immediate wetland area.

Regional Geoengineering Using Tiny Glass Bubbles Would Accelerate the Loss of Arctic Sea Ice

AbstractArctic sea ice might be preserved if its albedo could be increased. To this end, it has been proposed to spread hollow glass microspheres (HGMs) over the ice. We assess the radiative forcing that would result, by considering the areal coverages and spectral albedos of eight representative surface types, as well as the incident solar radiation, cloud properties, and spectral radiative properties of HGMs. HGMs can raise the albedo of new ice, but new ice occurs in autumn and winter when there is little sunlight. In spring the ice is covered by high‐albedo, thick snow. In summer the sunlight is intense, and the snow melts, so a substantial area is covered by dark ponds of meltwater, which could be an attractive target for attempted brightening. However, prior studies show that wind blows HGMs to the pond edges. A thin layer of HGMs has about 10% absorptance for solar radiation, so HGMs would darken any surfaces with albedo >0.61, such as snow‐covered ice. The net result is the opposite of what was intended: spreading HGMs would warm the Arctic climate and speed sea‐ice loss. If non‐absorbing HGMs could be manufactured, and if they could be transported and distributed without contamination by dark substances, they could cool the climate. The maximum benefit would be achieved by distribution during the month of May, resulting in an annual average radiative forcing for the Arctic Ocean of −3 Wm−2 if 360 megatons of HGMs were spread onto the ice annually.

Orthoptera in the early stages of post-arable rewilding in south-east England

The ideal aim of rewilding is to restore natural processes to create ‘self-willed’ ecosystems involving the creation of large areas of habitat subject to stochastic disturbance, connected by favorable corridors for species to disperse along. Reversion of arable farmland to grassland and scrub habitats on Black Bourn Valley nature reserve in Suffolk (south-east England) through non-intervention allowed succession to occur largely unmanaged. Fields in the early stages of rewilding (4–14 years) are found at Black Bourn Valley, while pond creation has been extensive since 2010, creating water edge habitat and heterogeneity to the re-establishing grassland. Monitoring of Orthoptera revealed statistical evidence that species diversity/richness and field grasshopper Chorthippus brunneus (Thunberg, 1815), meadow grasshopper Pseudochorthippus parallelus (Zetterstedt, 1821), common groundhopper Tetrix undulata (Sowerby, 1806) and slender groundhopper Tetrix subulata (Linnaeus, 1758) were in higher abundance in fields ≥8 years since arable cropping ceased compared to those 4 years post reversion. Fields ≥8 years old were probably favorable due to the presence of microhabitats for basking and egg-laying orthopterans that included ant hills, sparsely vegetated pond edge and open swards with an abundance of fine-leaved grasses (Agrostis and Festuca spp.) and a low abundance of leaf litter. Lagomorph grazing by wild brown hare Lepus europaeus and rabbit Oryctoloagus cuniculus was critical in maintaining exposed soil for Orthoptera in the older fields, while deer paths appeared to create microhabitats that may be utilized by Orthoptera. We postulate that rewilding schemes on arable farmland should use a Rewilding Max approach and avoid the frequent usage of domestic livestock, relying on wild lagomorph and ungulate grazers to maintain an open mosaic habitat structure with only intermittent cattle, horse, or sheep grazing.

Mites (Oribatida and Mesostigmata) and vegetation as complementary bioindicators in peatlands

Vegetation is widely used in the assessment of the quality of peatlands, while the invertebrate fauna of peatlands is relatively poorly studied. We compared the bioindicator values of vegetation with two arthropod groups widespread in peatlands, saprophagous Oribatida (Acariformes) and predatory Mesostigmata (Parasitiformes) mites. Samples were collected from ecotones at the edges of peatland ponds in Poland, including four in near-natural condition (i.e., peatlands unaffected by human activity) and three in previously disturbed but now recovering peatlands. A set of abiotic parameters was measured at each site: pond area, mean annual temperature, annual precipitation, and water parameters (pH, conductivity, colour, total nitrogen, phosphorus, calcium, and organic carbon). Overall, 63,635 specimens of Oribatida and 448 of Mesostigmata were recovered in the sampling. Species richness of Oribatida (56 species) was higher than that of flora (46) and Mesostigmata (15). Vegetation was significantly associated with annual precipitation in the years 1998–2007 which accounted for 29.1 % of the variation in vegetation communities. Oribatida variability was significantly associated with the content of organic carbon in water accounting for 32.4 % of variation. In contrast, variation in the Mesostigmata was not significantly associated with any of the abiotic parameters. Vegetation at ponds in previously disturbed and now recovering peatlands had higher bush cover than at near-natural ponds and the pond in the cutaway peat had lowest moss cover and the highest number of associate species (i.e., species with wide tolerance not characteristic of the certain community). Mite communities did not differ consistently between near-natural and recovering peatlands. Sphagnum divinum Flatberg et Hassel was recorded from Poland for the first time.

English

Knowledge and practices in preventing malaria infection were assessed in a cross-sectional study in Morogoro Municipal. Malaria is a life-threatening parasitic disease transmitted caused by plasmodial species which are plasmodium falciparum, plasmodium vivax, plasmodium ovale, and plasmodium malariae. With most of the cases of malaria being due to Plasmodium falciparum accounting for more than 95% of infections. A total of sixty families were randomly selected from five study areas (Chamwino, Mafiga, Kichangani, Misufini and Manzese) to participate in the study. The questionnaire consisting of closed and open-ended questions was administered. The results indicated that knowledge on malaria transmission and prevention was reasonable as the respondents declared to have a significant knowledge (85%) on malaria transmission and prevention, though there was a knowledge gap among respondents. Breeding sites were also assessed and the results showed that 26.7% reported dark places as breeding sites, 40% mentioned the edges of ponds and stagnant water, 26.7% tagged dirty areas as breeding sites, 1.7% mentioned cattle sheds, and 5% were not aware at all. Methods used for management of malaria in their homes indicate that most of the respondents (73.3%) agreed with indoor residual spraying (IRS) while (26.7%) did not agree with IRS. Most respondents commented on the effectiveness of Home Management of Malaria (HMM) to be somehow helpful in reducing malaria infection cases, while 31.7% strongly agreed that HMM has been effective in reducing malaria infection cases. Therefore, there is a need to improve the emphasis of HMM to ensure that the effectiveness of HMM is being achieved at a great level. Key words: Knowledge, mosquito, indoor residual spraying, home management of malaria.&nbsp

Two new high Andean species of Liodessus diving beetles from Venezuela (Coleoptera, Dytiscidae, Bidessini)

Two new species of the diving beetle genus Liodessus Guignot, 1939 are described from high mountain regions in Venezuela: Liodessus meridensissp. nov. from Laguna de Mucabají, Mérida and L. venezuelensissp. nov. from Laguna de Mucabají and below Pico Bolívar, Mérida. We delineate the species using morphological characters such as male genital structure and beetle size, shape and color. Mitochondrial cox1 sequence data provided an additional character source. Both new species occur at altitudes above 3,500 m and were collected in shallow water at the edge of high-altitude ponds.

Seasonal and Spatial Variability of Biological N2 Fixation in a Cool Temperate Bog

AbstractNorthern peatlands are globally important carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) sinks due to slow decomposition rates resulting in long‐term organic matter accumulation. Despite their large N storage, peatlands depend on sources of bio‐available N to sustain their biomass production. Di‐nitrogen (N2) fixation represents an important biological N source in ombrotrophic bogs, but its environmental controls are still poorly understood. We examined seasonal and spatial variability of Sphagnum‐associated N2 fixation across a hydrological transect (hummock‐hollow‐beaver pond edge) in a temperate ombrotrophic bog. We measured N2 fixation in live Sphagnum plants by acetylene reduction assay calibrated with a 15N2 tracer method, bi‐weekly, from May to November over two growing seasons. We found that N2 fixation increased with soil temperature at 5 cm in the living Sphagnum mat explaining the seasonal variability in N2 fixation. Peak N2 fixation rates occur in mid‐August, when N2 fixation rates are about 10 times larger than during the shoulder seasons (May and November). Spatially, N2 fixation was larger in wetter Sphagnum with larger gravimetric water content in Sphagnum. This relationship was most pronounced in the peak growing season when N2 fixation rates were the highest. Finally, we estimated that the Mer Bleue bog receives around 0.3 g N m−2 annually through Sphagnum‐associated N2 fixation, which accounts for about a fourth of the N accumulated annually into Sphagnum. Future contributions from Sphagnum‐associated N2 fixation to N budgets in peatlands will depend on temperature and moisture changes which have contrasting effects on N2 fixation rates.

Abiotic drivers shape seed inputs and outputs in a tropical wetland on Croton trinitatis population

BackgroundPredicting how natural and anthropogenic drivers shape different ecological indicators, such as plant populations along environmental gradients, can be a relevant tool for establishing management and conservation criteria of tropical wetlands. We aimed to assess the effects of seasonal flood disturbance, type of grasslands and topographical conditions on Croton trinitatis population distribution in a tropical wetland.MethodsThe study was carried out in a seasonally flooded grassland (Central-West Brazil). We conducted samplings of soil on the dry and flood hydrophases of the Pantanal. We took the samples in eight seasonal ponds, with 1 km interval between them. Transects were marked during the flood period, observing the water level, one in the lowest zone, in the middle of the pond = low (ca. 60 cm deep), one at the pond edge = mid (ca. 30 cm deep) and one in the higher zone, on the external part = high (ca. 1 cm deep).ResultsThe results showed that the topography, seasonality, and types of grassland determine differences in the abundance patterns of adult plants and seedlings, and seed bank and seed predation. The abiotic factors can shape plant population-related ecological processes and patterns, with outputs (germination and predation) and inputs (local dispersion and from neighbouring areas) of proportional seeds for the population maintenance in this environment.ConclusionWe emphasize the importance of these findings, to show that abiotic factors are not the only ones to be considered in ecological studies of distribution and structuring of populations in habitats with extreme seasonal events.

Nesting Ecology of the Painted Stork <I>Mycteria leucocephala</i> at Koonthankulam Birds Sanctuary, Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu

Koothankulam bird sanctuary, in Tamil Nadu, India is an important site for about 117 wetland (migratory/residential) birds that visit migratory every year. Painted stork nesting habit and habitat was observed during the field survey carried out in October 2018 to May 2019. Painted stork is Residential migrant, near threatened as per IUCN, wildlife protection act 1972 and also prominent colonial nester of the heronries in this sanctuary. Nests were found even in densely populated areas, frequently close to pond center and edge of pond. Nest-building began in mid- December, immediately after the monsoon. Egg-laying began in the early January, with most chicks hatching by mid-February and fledging by mid-March. To address these issues, authors observed reproductive output, nesting tree characteristics, nest dimension, part of used plant materials and factors associated with yearly variation in nesting densities of the Painted stork at sanctuary. The sanctuary along with associated wetlands is important for the long-term monitoring of Painted stork and other water birds in nesting ecology for their conservation of near threatened.

Mechanisms of Pond Expansion in a Rapidly Submerging Marsh

The development and expansion of ponds within otherwise vegetated coastal marshes is a primary driver of marsh loss throughout the world. Previous studies propose that large ponds expand through a wind wave-driven positive feedback, where pond edge erosion rates increase with pond size, whereas biochemical processes control the formation and expansion of smaller ponds. However, it remains unclear which mechanisms dominate at a given scale, and thus how, and how fast, ponds increase their size. Here, we use historical photographs and field measurements in a rapidly submerging microtidal marsh to quantify pond development and identify the processes involved. We find that as small ponds emerge on the marsh platform, they quickly coalesce and merge, increasing the number of larger ponds. Pond expansion rates are maximized for intermediate size ponds and decrease for larger ponds, where the contribution of wave-driven erosion is negligible. Vegetation biomass, soil shear strength, and porewater biogeochemical indices of marsh health are higher in marshes adjacent to stable ponds than in those adjacent to unstable ponds, suggesting that pond growth rates are negatively related to the health of the surrounding marsh. We find that the model of Vinent et al. (2021) correctly predicts measured pond growth rates and size distribution, which suggest the different mechanisms driving pond growth are a result of marsh drowning due to sea level rise (SLR) and can be estimated by simplified physical models. Finally, we show that all relevant processes increasing pond size can be summarized by an empirical power-law equation for pond growth which predicts the temporal change of the maximum pond size as a lower bound for the total pond area in the system. This gives a timescale for the growth of ponds by merging and thus the critical time window for interventions to prevent the irreversible pond expansion associated with large scale pond merging.