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Mollusc population size distribution monitoring: Fall 2013 mid-marsh and creekbank infaunal and epifaunal mollusc size distributions based on collections from GCE marsh monitoring sites 1-10

This data set is the Fall 2013 report of infaunal and epifaunal mollusk species size distributions at the GCE-LTER marsh sites used for population monitoring. Infaunal and epifaunal molluscs were hand-collected from within quadrats of known area from mid-marsh and creekbank zones (n = 4 quadrats per zone) at all sites. The molluscs were returned to the lab, preserved in ethanol, measured and counted (count data is reported separately). Length of each measurable individual was determined using calipers or an ocular micrometer mounted in a stereomicroscope. Species abundance and density data for these collections may be found in the GCE-LTER data set INV-GCEM-1407. Numbers of individuals of each species in the abundance data file may not correspond exactly to the numbers of individuals in the size data file because some individuals may not have been measureable.

Fall 2014 plant monitoring survey -- shoot height and flowering status of plants in permanent plots at GCE sampling sites 1-10

A quadrat survey was conducted in October 2014 to measure the species and size distribution of plants at 10 GCE LTER sampling sites. The quadrats were established as permanent plots at GCE sampling sites in October 2000 by placing wooden stakes at random locations across two nominal zones at each site, designated based on marsh structure (creekbank and high marsh). New plots were added each year as necessary to replace those lost due to catastrophic wrack disturbance or creek bank erosion, and the creek bank plots at site 3 were relocated in 2013 due to a shift in the creek location. The plots were visually surveyed and the species, shoot height, and flowering status was recorded individually for each shoot over 10 cm in height present in each plot. Observations from plots exhibiting signs of disturbance were noted in the data set, and an additional set of observations were recorded for the creek bank zone at site 3 prior to relocation (identified as Zone -1) for comparison with the relocated plots. Detailed disturbance data can be found in GCE data set PLT-GCEM-1801. This survey will be repeated annually to assess changes in plant distribution and biomass in relation to environmental changes documented by other GCE LTER monitoring efforts.

Fall 2014 plant monitoring survey -- biomass calculated from shoot height and flowering status of plants in permanent plots at GCE sampling sites 1-10

The biomass of plants surveyed in permanent plots at 10 GCE LTER sampling sites in October 2014 was estimated based on allometric relationships between biomass and shoot height and flowering status derived for each site, zone, and species in October 2002 and October 2008. Biomass was calculated for dominant species, including Spartina alterniflora, S. cynosuroides, Juncus roemerianus, and Zizaniopsis miliacea, as well as rarer species including Scirpus spp, Panicum spp. and Typha angustifolia. This data set is based on GCE plant monitoring survey data set PLT-GCEM-1403a, and allometric relationships were based on GCE data sets PLT-GCEM-0211b, PLT-GCEM-0711, and PLT-GCEM-2011.

Fall 2015 plant monitoring survey -- shoot height and flowering status of plants in permanent plots at GCE sampling sites 1-10

A quadrat survey was conducted in October 2015 to measure the species and size distribution of plants at 10 GCE LTER sampling sites. The quadrats were established as permanent plots at GCE sampling sites in October 2000 by placing wooden stakes at random locations across two nominal zones at each site, designated based on marsh structure (creekbank and high marsh). New plots were added each year as necessary to replace those lost due to catastrophic wrack disturbance or creek bank erosion, and the creek bank plots at site 3 were relocated in 2013 due to a shift in the creek location. The plots were visually surveyed and the species, shoot height, and flowering status was recorded individually for each shoot over 10 cm in height present in each plot. Observations from plots exhibiting signs of disturbance were noted in the data set, and an additional set of observations were recorded for the creek bank zone at site 3 prior to relocation (identified as Zone -1) for comparison with the relocated plots. Detailed disturbance data can be found in GCE data set PLT-GCEM-1801. This survey will be repeated annually to assess changes in plant distribution and biomass in relation to environmental changes documented by other GCE LTER monitoring efforts.

Fall 2015 plant monitoring survey -- biomass calculated from shoot height and flowering status of plants in permanent plots at GCE sampling sites 1-10

The biomass of plants surveyed in permanent plots at 10 GCE LTER sampling sites in October 2015 was estimated based on allometric relationships between biomass and shoot height and flowering status derived for each site, zone, and species in October 2002 and October 2008. Biomass was calculated for dominant species, including Spartina alterniflora, S. cynosuroides, Juncus roemerianus, and Zizaniopsis miliacea, as well as rarer species including Scirpus spp, Panicum spp. and Typha angustifolia. This data set is based on GCE plant monitoring survey data set PLT-GCEM-1511a, and allometric relationships were based on GCE data sets PLT-GCEM-0211b, PLT-GCEM-0711, and PLT-GCEM-2011.

Mollusc population abundance monitoring: Fall 2014 mid-marsh and creekbank infaunal and epifaunal mollusc abundance based on collections from GCE marsh, monitoring sites 1-10

This data set is the Fall 2014 estimate of infaunal and epifaunal mollusc abundance at the GCE-LTER marsh sites used for population monitoring. Species abundance was determined by hand-collecting all the infaunal and epifaunal molluscs from within quadrats of known area in mid-marsh and creekbank zones (n = 4 quadrats per zone) at all sites. The molluscs were returned to the lab, fixed in ethanol, transferred to and preserved in ethanol, counted and measured (size data is reported separately). The counts were converted to number per square meter. Gastropod species are listed first, followed by bivalve species. Size distribution data for these collections may be found in the GCE-LTER data set INV-GCEM-1507a.

Mollusc population size distribution monitoring: Fall 2014 mid-marsh and creekbank infaunal and epifaunal mollusc size distributions based on collections from GCE marsh monitoring sites 1-10

This data set is the Fall 2014 report of infaunal and epifaunal mollusc species size distributions at the GCE-LTER marsh sites used for population monitoring. Infaunal and epifaunal molluscs were hand-collected from within quadrats of known area from mid-marsh and creekbank zones (n = 4 quadrats per zone) at all sites. The molluscs were returned to the lab, preserved in ethanol, measured and counted (count data is reported separately). Length of each measurable individual was determined using calipers or an ocular micrometer mounted in a stereomicroscope. Species abundance and density data for these collections may be found in the GCE-LTER data set INV-GCEM-1507. Numbers of individuals of each species in the abundance data file may not correspond exactly to the numbers of individuals in the size data file because some individuals may not have been measureable.

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Fall 2015 crab population monitoring: mid-marsh and creek bank abundance based on crab hole counts at GCE marsh, monitoring sites 1-10

This data set is the Fall 2015 estimate of crab densities at the GCE-LTER marsh sites used for population monitoring. Crab abundance was determined by counting the number of crab holes within a 625 cm^2 quadrat and converting the counts to number per square meter. Counts were made in the mid-marsh and creek bank zones (n = 4 per zone) at GCE sites 1 through 10. Note that this census method does not differentiate which species made a particular hole and therefore only estimates total burrowing crab abundance, potentially including species Uca pugnax, Uca minax, Uca pugilator, Armases cinereum, Eurytium limosum and Sesarma reticulatum. Crab holes that are not actively maintained are quickly covered by tidal activity and other sediment disturbances, therefore plugged holes were assumed to be unoccupied and excluded from the counts.

Mollusc population abundance monitoring: Fall 2015 mid-marsh and creekbank infaunal and epifaunal mollusc abundance based on collections from GCE marsh, monitoring sites 1-10

This data set is the Fall 2015 estimate of infaunal and epifaunal mollusc abundance at the GCE-LTER marsh sites used for population monitoring. Species abundance was determined by hand-collecting all the infaunal and epifaunal molluscs from within quadrats of known area in mid-marsh and creekbank zones (n = 4 quadrats per zone) at all sites. The molluscs were returned to the lab, fixed in ethanol, transferred to and preserved in ethanol, counted and measured (size data is reported separately). The counts were converted to number per square meter. Gastropod species are listed first, followed by bivalve species. Size distribution data for these collections may be found in the GCE-LTER data set INV-GCEM-1607a.

Mollusc population size distribution monitoring: Fall 2015 mid-marsh and creekbank infaunal and epifaunal mollusc size distributions based on collections from GCE marsh monitoring sites 1-10

This data set is the Fall 2015 report of infaunal and epifaunal mollusc species size distributions at the GCE-LTER marsh sites used for population monitoring. Infaunal and epifaunal molluscs were hand-collected from within quadrats of known area from mid-marsh and creekbank zones (n = 4 quadrats per zone) at all sites. The molluscs were returned to the lab, preserved in ethanol, measured and counted (count data is reported separately). Length of each measurable individual was determined using calipers or an ocular micrometer mounted in a stereomicroscope. Species abundance and density data for these collections may be found in the GCE-LTER data set INV-GCEM-1607. Numbers of individuals of each species in the abundance data file may not correspond exactly to the numbers of individuals in the size data file because some individuals may not have been measureable.

Fall 2016 plant monitoring survey -- shoot height and flowering status of plants in permanent plots at GCE sampling sites 1-10

A quadrat survey was conducted in October 2016 to measure the species and size distribution of plants at 10 GCE LTER sampling sites. The quadrats were established as permanent plots at GCE sampling sites in October 2000 by placing wooden stakes at random locations across two nominal zones at each site, designated based on marsh structure (creekbank and high marsh). New plots were added each year as necessary to replace those lost due to catastrophic wrack disturbance or creek bank erosion. The plots were visually surveyed and the species, shoot height, and flowering status was recorded individually for each shoot over 10 cm in height present in each plot. Observations from plots exhibiting signs of disturbance were noted in a separate data set (PLT-GCEM-1801). This survey will be repeated annually to assess changes in plant distribution and biomass in relation to environmental changes documented by other GCE LTER monitoring efforts.

Fall 2016 crab population monitoring: mid-marsh and creek bank abundance based on crab hole counts at GCE marsh, monitoring sites 1-10

This data set is the Fall 2016 estimate of crab densities at the GCE-LTER marsh sites used for population monitoring. Crab abundance was determined by counting the number of crab holes within a 625 cm^2 quadrat and converting the counts to number per square meter. Counts were made in the mid-marsh and creek bank zones (n = 4 per zone) at GCE sites 1 through 10. Note that this census method does not differentiate which species made a particular hole and therefore only estimates total burrowing crab abundance, potentially including species Uca pugnax, Uca minax, Uca pugilator, Armases cinereum, Eurytium limosum and Sesarma reticulatum. Crab holes that are not actively maintained are quickly covered by tidal activity and other sediment disturbances, therefore plugged holes were assumed to be unoccupied and excluded from the counts.

Fall 2016 plant monitoring survey -- biomass calculated from shoot height and flowering status of plants in permanent plots at GCE sampling sites 1-10

The biomass of plants surveyed in permanent plots at 10 GCE LTER sampling sites in October 2016 was estimated based on allometric relationships between biomass and shoot height and flowering status derived for each site, zone, and species in October 2002 and October 2008. Biomass was calculated for dominant species, including Spartina alterniflora, S. cynosuroides, Juncus roemerianus, and Zizaniopsis miliacea, as well as rarer species including Scirpus spp, Panicum spp. and Typha angustifolia. This data set is based on GCE plant monitoring survey data set PLT-GCEM-1611a, and allometric relationships were based on GCE data sets PLT-GCEM-0211b, PLT-GCEM-0711, and PLT-GCEM-2011.

Fall 2017 plant monitoring survey -- shoot height and flowering status of plants in permanent plots at GCE sampling sites 1-10

A quadrat survey was conducted in October 2017 to measure the species and size distribution of plants at 10 GCE LTER sampling sites. The quadrats were established as permanent plots at GCE sampling sites in October 2000 by placing wooden stakes at random locations across two nominal zones at each site, designated based on marsh structure (creekbank and high marsh). New plots were added each year as necessary to replace those lost due to catastrophic wrack disturbance or creek bank erosion. The plots were visually surveyed and the species, shoot height, and flowering status was recorded individually for each shoot over 10 cm in height present in each plot. Observations from plots exhibiting signs of disturbance were noted in a separate data set (PLT-GCEM-1801). This survey will be repeated annually to assess changes in plant distribution and biomass in relation to environmental changes documented by other GCE LTER monitoring efforts.

Fall 2017 plant monitoring survey -- biomass calculated from shoot height and flowering status of plants in permanent plots at GCE sampling sites 1-10

The biomass of plants surveyed in permanent plots at 10 GCE LTER sampling sites in October 2017 was estimated based on allometric relationships between biomass and shoot height and flowering status derived for each site, zone, and species in October 2002 and October 2008. Biomass was calculated for dominant species, including Spartina alterniflora, S. cynosuroides, Juncus roemerianus, and Zizaniopsis miliacea, as well as rarer species including Scirpus spp, Panicum spp. And Typha angustifolia. This data set is based on GCE plant monitoring survey data set PLT-GCEM-1711a, and allometric relationships were based on GCE data sets PLT-GCEM-0211b, PLT-GCEM-0711, and PLT-GCEM-2011.

Continuous groundwater well temperature, salinity and water level measurements at the GCE-LTER Seawater Addition Long-Term Experiment (SALTEx) site from May 2014 to February 2018

The Georgia Coastal Ecosystems LTER Seawater Addition Long-Term Experiment (SALTEx) is a large-scale field experiment designed to simulate saltwater intrusion in a tidal freshwater wetland to predict how chronic (Press) and acute (Pulse) salinization will affect this and other tidal freshwater ecosystems. In order to characterize groundwater salinity, temperature, and plot flooding following experimental manipulation, unvented water pressure, temperature and conductivity were continuously measured in a PVC groundwater well installed at the SALTEx site. Measurements were made at the bottom of the well using a submerged Schlumberger CTD-Diver logger every 15 minutes from 30-May-2014 to 14-Feb-2018. In February 2016 a second CTD-Diver was deployed near the top of the well. Data were downloaded from the loggers using Diver Office communication software, then imported into MATLAB for post-processing, quality control and documentation. Raw, unvented pressure readings were corrected for atmospheric pressure and sensor height from the bottom of the well to generate corrected pressure readings, then water level, salinity and density were calculated from the measured variables using UNESCO algorithms. These data were collected as part of the Georgia Coastal Ecosystems LTER SALTEx project (http://gce-lter.marsci.uga.edu/public/app/send_project_eml.asp?id=73), and will be updated annually.

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Cross-site comparison of historical trends in marsh change at three LTER sites: GCE, VCR, and PIE.

The data provided here are shapefiles which were generated from digitizing historical maps and aerial photographs for a cross site comparison of changes in marshes at the Plum Island Ecosystem (PIE), Virginia Coast Reserve (VCR), and Georgia Coastal Ecosystems (GCE) Long Term Ecological Research (LTER) sites. This dataset includes shoreline shapefiles digitized for 3 time intervals at each site: 1930s/40s, 1950s/70s, and 2013 as well as a table of results from the shoreline change analysis. Centerlines for all the channels were generated from the shoreline shapefiles and are attributed with Strahler (1965) channel order and sinuosity. Additionally, this dataset includes shapefiles of important features (channels, upland, ponds, tidal flats) digitized for each of three sites at three time intervals.

Mollusc population abundance monitoring: Fall 2017 mid-marsh and creekbank infaunal and epifaunal mollusc abundance based on collections from GCE marsh, monitoring sites 1-10

This data set is the Fall 2017 estimate of infaunal and epifaunal mollusc abundance at the GCE-LTER marsh sites used for population monitoring. Species abundance was determined by hand-collecting all the infaunal and epifaunal molluscs from within quadrats of known area in mid-marsh and creekbank zones (n = 4 quadrats per zone) at all sites. The molluscs were returned to the lab, fixed in ethanol, transferred to and preserved in ethanol, counted and measured (size data is reported separately). The counts were converted to number per square meter. Gastropod species are listed first, followed by bivalve species. Size distribution data for these collections may be found in the GCE-LTER data set INV-GCEM-1807a.

Fall 2017 crab population monitoring: mid-marsh and creek bank abundance based on crab hole counts at GCE marsh, monitoring sites 1-10

This data set is the Fall 2017 estimate of crab densities at the GCE-LTER marsh sites used for population monitoring. Crab abundance was determined by counting the number of crab holes within a 625 cm^2 quadrat and converting the counts to number per square meter. Counts were made in the mid-marsh and creek bank zones (n = 4 per zone) at GCE sites 1 through 10. Note that this census method does not differentiate which species made a particular hole and therefore only estimates total burrowing crab abundance, potentially including species Uca pugnax, Uca minax, Uca pugilator, Armases cinereum, Eurytium limosum and Sesarma reticulatum. Crab holes that are not actively maintained are quickly covered by tidal activity and other sediment disturbances, therefore plugged holes were assumed to be unoccupied and excluded from the counts.

Survey of adult and juvenile periwinkle snail (Littoraria irrorata) density in mid-marsh and creekbank plots at GCE LTER study sites in October 2014.

To characterize spatial variation in the adult and juvenile density of periwinkle snails, Littoraria irrorata, within two zones in the salt marsh, the mid-marsh and creekbank, and across a gradient in salinity and distance to ocean, we surveyed snail density in October 2014. In each marsh zone at each GCE LTER permanent monitoring site, we counted the number of adult and juvenile snails in 8 replicate quadrats.