Habitat Development Field Investigations, Miller Sands Marsh and Upland Habitat Development Site, Columbia River, Oregon PDF Download

Author: Norman Cutshall
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 208

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Book Description
Physical and chemical conditions at Miller Sands Island complex seem to control plant growth and ecosystem development. While no chemical factors have been identified that appear to retard plant growth, at several locations (particularly on the older upland portion of the existing island) fertility is marginal. In the intertidal and aquatic areas, chemical factors do not appear to limit growth, either through deficiency or retardation. Instead it appears that physical factors, specifically wave action on the sand substrate, prevent establishment of plants around much of the island, particularly on the newer beaches. The combination of marginal fertility on the older island and severe sediment turnover on the newer island gives Miller Sands an aspect that is bleak by Oregon coastal standards. Once rooted plants are established at Miller Sands, trapping of silt follows with concomitant increases in fertility factors and development of a more diverse and active community begins. This in turn stimulates plant development and further stabilizes the system through an increased capacity for absorption of wave energy without sediment stirring. The lush areas of marshy development around the south and east portions of the island appear to have become resistant to the normal abuse of the wind waves and ship wakes.