FEATURED THEME

Indicators of Sea Level Change
Scientists use several proxies in determining sea level fluctuation, both locally and globally.  Satellite imaging, monitored tidal gauges, and shoreline changes are among several means of visualizing sea level rise. Dr. Pamela Marsh of Georgia Southern University uses the presence or absence of Atrotorquata lineata, an indicator of Juncus roemerianus, or black needle rush, within core samples to determine sea level change in numerous southeastern U.S. research sites.

FEATURED SCIENTIST

Dr. Pamela Marsh

Description
PhD and MS in Geology from University of South Carolina where her research focused on finding an identifying feature (proxy) for the former position of high level salt marshes and, potentially, sea level in the southeastern United States. BA in Geography from University of Massachusetts/Boston. Currently Temporary Assistant Professor of Geology at Georgia Southern University.

QUOTE
"Be prepared for anything. You still won’t be ready for what actually happens but at least you’ll be ready to improvise."

REFERENCES
Marsh, P. E., and Cohen, A. D., 2008, Identifying High-Level Salt Marshes Using a Palynomorphic Fingerprint with Potential Implications for Tracking Sea Level Change, Review of Palaeobotany and Palynology, Vol. 148 No. 1, 60-69.

Gayes, P. T., Scott, D. B., Collins, E. S., and Nelson, D. D., 1992, A Late Holocene Sea-Level Fluctuation in South Carolina, Quaternary Coasts of the United States: Marine and Lacustrine Systems, SEPM Special Publication No. 48, 155-160.