Dr. Havalend E. Steinmuller

Abstract:  As sea level rise (SLR) affects coastal wetlands, ecosystem responses can include vertical accretion, landward transgression, or submergence. Sea level rise-induced transitions can alter key biogeochemical transformations within wetland soils, impacting the ability of these systems to provide ecosystem services, specifically carbon (C) storage and water quality regulation. Through a combination of mechanistic and field-based studies, Dr. Steinmuller assessed how landward transgression within two coastal vegetation regimes co-occurring with sea level rise, and wetland submergence, individually alter biogeochemical transformations. Results from these studies holistically address how biogeochemical functioning, specifically nutrient cycling, regulation of water quality, and C sequestration, within coastal wetlands responds to stressors associated with SLR.