The four areas of focus for the project are:
1. Refine existing modern analog dataset by completing analyses of modern samples collected between 1996 and 2004 and applying the data to core data compiled in the Synthesis Task 2. Collect new cores (if necessary) within the southern estuaries to fill in information gaps identified by the land management agencies (Everglades National Park (ENP), and Biscayne National Park (BNP) and the Southern Estuaries Subteam of the Regional Evaluation Team (RET) of Restoration Coordination and Verification (RECOVER) 3. Select a few sites in the transition zones to collect cores in a transect moving perpendicular to shore to analyze the rate of sea level rise in the region 4. Work with collaborators to input all of the combined paleoecology data into linear regression models that can hindcast salinity for different parts of the system
Langevin, C. D.; Jones, S. A.; Reich, C. D.; Wingard, G. L.; Kuffner, I. B.; Cunningham, K. J.
Modern proxy data have been compiled and tested against known salinities and shown to be a reliable indicator of salinity with a correlation coefficient of 0.8 at a 95% confidence level. These results were presented to members of the Southern Esutaries Sub-Team of RECOVER and at the National Conference on Ecosystem Restoration in April 2007. Collaboration on the development of salinity targets with the Southern Estuaries sub-team has continued, and a set of preliminary salinity targets has been developed. The paleosalinity values provided by our project have been successfully used by modelers to hindcast stage height in the terrestrial Everglades
In FY 2007 the plan is to select a few sites in the transition zones to collect cores in an transect moving perpendicular to shore in order to analyze the rate of sea level rise in the region. Existing datasets on sea level change will be gathered and compiled.
In FY08, we will analyze all existing core data using the modern molluscan proxy data set developed in FY07. These results will be compared to other proxy data, and summary interpretations published. Additional modern collections will be made in the nearshore and infaunal communities of the estuaries to fine tune the proxy data sets. We will continue our collaboration with the Southern Estuaries Sub-Team and the modelers using our paleosalinity data in regression analyses
Collection of new cores was delayed in FY07 while we completed analyses of the SW coastal cores from the Ecosystem History of the Southwest Coast-Shark River Slough Outflow Area Project. We believe these cores will illustrate general sea level patterns in southern Florida that can then be tested in Florida Bay and Biscayne Bay if necessary. We are continuing to compile existing data sets on sea level change and hope to initiate collaboration with Florida Gulf Coast University in FY08.
U.S. Department of the Interior, U.S. Geological Survey
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