Biological-physical interactions are fundamental to understanding and managing coastal dynamics.

There is an urgent need to address coastal dynamics as a fundamental interaction between physical and biological processes, particularly when trying to predict future biological-physical linkages under anticipated changes in environmental forcing. More integrated modelling, support for observational networks and the use of management interventions as controlled experimental exercises should now be vigorously pursued.

The effects of elevated CO and eutrophication on surface elevation gain in a European salt marsh.

Salt marshes can play a vital role in mitigating the effects of global environmental change by dissipating incident storm wave energy and, through accretion, tracking increasing water depths consequent upon sea level rise. Atmospheric CO concentrations and nutrient availability are two key variables that can affect the biological processes that contribute to marsh surface elevation gain. We measured the effects of CO concentrations and nutrient availability on surface elevation change in intact mixed-species blocks of UK salt marsh using six open-top chambers receiving CO -enriched (800 ppm) or ambient (400 ppm) air.