Elevated concentrations of carbon dioxide may help some coastal marshes keep up with rising sea level by stimulating plant production and marsh building.
Coastal wetlands provide barriers to storm surges and flooding, provide valuable habitat for wildlife and are important nursery grounds supporting commercial fisheries.
The U.S. Geological Survey conducted research that showed how marsh elevations might increase when exposed to higher concentrations of carbon dioxide.
"Coastal wetlands are threatened by sea-level rise, and this research allows for more accurate models to predict how much coastal submergence may occur," USGS scientist Karen McKee said. "This information will lead to a more complete picture of how carbon dioxide interacts with our Earth system, helping decision-makers plan for the future and protect these valuable resources."
Scientists also found that higher concentrations of carbon dioxide reduced the impacts of ...