Assessing Soil Responses in Recently Restored Coastal Salt Marshes

Ongoing restoration projects in Rhode Island are testing different methods to build coastal marsh resistance and resilience. In this project, the student will examine the soil responses to hydrological restoration (i.e., runnel creation) and thin layer placement of dredged materials to coastal marshes. Restored marshes are hypothesized to have increased resistance to erosion and improved resilience to flooding events and storm surges. Soil parameters of pH, bulk density, moisture, salinity, oxidation-reduction status, and shear strength between reference marshes and restored sites will help predict trajectories of change in the coastal areas. The restoration monitoring will be carried out through partnerships and engagement with community, state, and federal groups.