NETNShoreline Geomorphology
Importance / IssuesSea level is an important physical parameter for two network parks (Acadia and Boston Harbor Islands) that controls the distribution and spatial pattern of intertidal habitats. As sea level changes, the boundary and extent of intertidal habitat types will shift. Sea level is presently rising at a rate of about 2-4 mm/yr along the New England coastline and this rise is predicted to accelerate in response to global warming. Sea level is presently measured by NOAA tide gauges in Boston, Massachusetts and Bar Harbor, Maine. We will integrate existing data sources on sea-level changes into the vital signs reporting framework for these two parks and consider integrating measures that will provide specific park-based sea-level rise information into the Rocky Intertidal Monitoring Protocol. Protocol Development & StatusPresently, the Northeast Coastal and Barrier Network (NCBN) has developed an Ocean Shoreline Position Monitoring Protocol and will be adopting the Salt Marsh Elevation Monitoring Protocol that is being developed by the Cape Cod National Seashore Protoype Monitoring Program. At this time the Northeast Temperate Network is not developing a protocol for this vital sign but will work with the NCBN to integrate their protocols into a format that will be applicable for NETN parks. Potential MeasuresPotential measures include relative surface elevation (salt marsh) and shoreline position. |
 Preliminary Monitoring ObjectivesThe monitoring objective set forth in the NCBN Shoreline Position Monitoring Protocol is:
The monitoring objective set forth in the Salt Marsh Elevation Monitoring Protocol is:
|
ReferencesNone Presently Available |