29 Undergraduate Research, Part II (Posters)

Session showcases undergraduate research. Topics include geoscience-related fields (e.g., resources, hydrology, oceanography, climate, environmental science, geospatial, informatics, health, policy, & education). Undergraduate student/s must be the lead author/s presenters with faculty mentor/s as co-author/s. This session welcomes both poster and oral presentation submissions.

Tuesday, 10 March 2026
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
RCC, Lower Level Hall

The Relation of Groundwater Conditions to Salt-marsh Dieback Recovery near St. Simons Island, GA

Paper number: 29-4
Program: Technical Sessions
Time: 9:00 AM – 9:00 AM

Authors

Abstract

Salt marshes provide critical ecological and economic benefits, including storm buffering, water filtration, and habitat provision for many species. Marsh dieback events however, impact these ecosystems, leading to stressed areas transitioning into erosion prone mudflats. This study investigates how groundwater conditions relate to Spartina alterniflora (smooth cordgrass) dieback recovery near St. Simons Island, Georgia. By comparing nutrient concentrations and water quality parameters in healthy and stressed marsh zones, this research aims to address if groundwater conditions affect marsh dieback recovery.

 

Groundwater conditions will be measured across six plots during the fall and spring to capture seasonal variability and will be compared to historic groundwater condition data that were collected when the marsh was experiencing dieback. By contrasting groundwater conditions during dieback and recovery phases, this study aims to clarify the role of groundwater dynamics in salt marsh dieback recovery in Georgia’s coastal marshes.

Geological Society of America Abstracts with Programs. Vol. 58, No. 1

doi: 10.1130/abs/2026SE-411745

© Copyright 2026 The Geological Society of America (GSA), all rights reserved. Permission is hereby granted to the author(s) of this abstract to reproduce and distribute it freely, for noncommercial purposes. Permission is hereby granted to any individual scientist to download a single copy of this electronic file and reproduce up to 20 paper copies for noncommercial purposes advancing science and education, including classroom use, providing all reproductions include the complete content shown here, including the author information. All other forms of reproduction and/or transmittal are prohibited without written permission from GSA Copyright Permissions.