Dataset: Long-Term Sediment, Carbon, and Nitrogen Accumulation Rates in Coastal Wetlands Impacted by Sea Level Rise

This dataset accompanies the paper Gundersen et al. 2021. This study examines how coastal wetlands are affected by rising sea level over an extended period of time. The study uses different methods such as radiocarbon dating, isotopic analysis and organic matter assessment to measure carbon levels. These methods helped provide an understanding of the capacity of carbon sequestration in the area. Carbon accumulation was measured in four transects along the northern part of the Albemarle- Pamlico Peninsula of North Carolina. Cores were extracted from four different wetland states (forested wetland, transition wetland, marsh and open water) along small tributaries during the summer of 2016. Cores were sliced at 2 cm intervals and analyzed for bulk density, organic matter, carbon and 210Pb activity. The findings reveal the significance of preserving and restoring coastal wetlands as carbon sinks amidst ongoing climate change challenges.