The influence of coastal dynamics on freshwater wetland hydrology on Shackleford Banks: An evaluation of freshwater availability for ecosystem services

[4:58 PM] Sirianni, Matthew J Freshwater wetlands are limited on Shackleford Banks, but they provide critical habitat to island birds, amphibians, small fish (in permanent ponds), and wetland vegetation communities. These freshwater wetlands, which includes open bodies of water, are also a crucial water supply for the Shackleford Horses. There is concern that changing precipitation patterns, major storm frequency and intensities, over wash from these events, and rising sea levels are potentially increasing the salt content of these freshwater sources, including the groundwater lens. This type of study is crucial to provide an updated inventory of the current freshwater wetlands and a better understanding of their hydrology and vulnerability to salinization. To evaluate the freshwater availability to flora and fauna of the island, this project will aim to evaluate 1. the seasonal variability of freshwater availability for Shackleford Horses; 2. the location of freshwater wetlands on the island and their vegetation communities; 3. The spatiotemporal variability of saltwater intrusion to wetlands and groundwater on the island.

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