A one-dimensional biomorphodynamic model of tidal flats: Sediment sorting, marsh distribution, and carbon accumulation under sea level rise

Highlights

• A biomorphodynamic model coupling two-way biophysical interactions is developed.
• Vegetated and bare tidal flats respond differently to wave action.
• Sea level rise (SLR) drives landward migration of salt marshes and mud zone.
• Differential deposition results in steeper marsh-edge transition zone.
• Carbon accumulation on marshlands may be enhanced with an increasing SLR rate.

Keywords

Biomorphodynamics, Tidal flats, Salt marshes, Sediment sorting, Sea level rise, Carbon accumulation