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  • Title

    Effects of drought and elevated nutrients on invasion by Lepidium latifolium and implications for carbon storage in tidal wetlands of the San Francisco Bay- Delta

    Lead Delta Stewardship Council - Delta Science Program
    Description The Delta ecosystem is under threat from multiple concurrent stressors, including drought, nutrient pollution, and invasion by non-native species. Lepidium latifolium is an invasive peren- nial plant that displaces native species and may reduce carbon storage in tidal marshes. Preliminary data suggest that drought may be detrimental to L. latifolium invasion, whereas elevated nutrients may promote invasion. Using experimental manipulation of tidal marsh plots, this project will test the impact of drought and elevated nutrients on the invasion of L. latifolium. The results will inform management of L. latifolium in the Bay Delta by identifying its vulnerabilities to climatic and nutrient conditions, and will be shared with management agencies including East Bay Regional Parks, San Pablo Bay National Wildlife Refuge, and Palo Alto Baylands, among others. The results will also be integrated with the PI’s dissertation research on the carbon storage capacity of L. latifolium, in order to inform wetland carbon offset policies.
    Science topics None specified
    Updated December 21, 2023
  • Title

    Large and small-scale sediment dynamics during (after) the drought

    Lead Delta Stewardship Council - Delta Science Program
    Description Turbidity plays a key role in Delta aquatic ecosystems, where suspended sediment can limit light for phytoplankton growth, transport contaminants, provide protection from predation for many fish species, and contribute to natural sediment recovery in shallow water habitats. The impact of drought conditions on water quality and ecological health is not well studied in estuarine systems, and more information is needed to manage the impacts of California’s drought and recovery in the Delta. This project will examine the effects of drought conditions on turbidity, particularly the interplay between estuarine turbulence, suspended sediment flocculation (particle aggregation), and in-water light levels. Information from this project will contribute fundamental knowledge on flocculation dynamics, help identify critical points for turbidity control during drought, and improve modeling and predictions of sediment transport within the Delta.
    Science topics None specified
    Updated January 4, 2024