Modelling the response of mangroves and saltmarshes to sea-level rise: model development and validation

Data used to parameterise and calibrate a model (IWEM0D) of the response of coastal wetlands to sea-level rise. Model parameterisation with core data from Westernport Bay, Victoria, Australia.

IWEM0D (Intertidal Wetland Evolution Model - 0D) simulates how mangrove forests and saltmarsh wetlands respond to sea-level rise. The model framework, as detailed in Rogers et al. (in review), treats surface elevation change over time as a function of:

Present elevation E

Inorganic/mineral matter accumulation rate MAR

Organic matter addition rate OAR for mangroves and saltmarsh

Autocompaction AC

Specifically, incremental change in surface elevation E over time t is modelled as:

E[t+1] = E[t] + MAR[t] + OAR[t] - AC[t]