Data underlying the publication: Identifying small-scale gradients in sediment stability as early indicators of saltmarsh cliff initiation

This dataset includes all data which were collected as part of this study on how small-scale gradients in sediment characteristics can act as early indicators for saltmarsh cliff initiation, which typically proceeds marsh erosion and retreat. Data include those from three stages of testing: i) field measurements of sediment characteristics around saltmarsh edges ii) fast flow flume (FFF) measurements of sediment erodibility of samples surrounding saltmarsh edges and iii) a wave mesocosm experiment to identify whether sediment offsets proceed a saltmarsh cliff forming. . Overall, we provide insight into the role of small-scale gradients in sediment stability for driving the long-term dynamics of biogeomorphic saltmarshes, which can be used as early indicators to identify cliff-prone saltmarsh areas.

本数据集涵盖本研究采集的全部数据，该研究旨在探究沉积物特征的小型梯度如何作为盐沼悬崖（saltmarsh cliff）萌生的早期预警指标——而盐沼悬崖萌生通常先于盐沼侵蚀与退缩。本次测试共包含三个阶段的相关数据：一）盐沼边缘周边沉积物特征的野外原位实测；二）盐沼边缘周边沉积物样品抗侵蚀性能的快速流动水槽（fast flow flume, FFF）测试；三）用于识别沉积物偏移是否会引发盐沼悬崖形成的波浪中宇宙实验。整体而言，本研究阐明了沉积物稳定性的小型梯度在驱动生物地貌盐沼（biogeomorphic saltmarshes）长期动态过程中的作用，该梯度可作为识别易形成盐沼悬崖的盐沼区域的早期预警指标。