Albemarle-Pamlico Sounds
Analysis of Fringe Wetlands in Albemarle and Pamlico Sounds
Type: Extent
of habitat (i.e., area of habitat and whether there has been a decline)).
Category: Wetland
Cost: Information not provided.
Description: This study was conducted as a preliminary characterization
of fringe wetlands. Three reaches of the APNEP area's shoreline - southern Albemarle
Sound, Croatan Sound and northern Pamlico Sound - were examined on National
Wetlands Inventory (NWI) maps to determine wetland type, zonation of vegetation
and geomorphic characteristics.
Outcome: In freshwater areas where fringe wetlands dominate, some sites
develop a gradient in species composition, vegetation, structure and hydrology
that distinguishes shoreline forest stands from interior wetland sites. In brackish
water areas zonation of vegetation tends to be determined by salinity, with
marsh vegetation near the edge grading into shrubs and trees further from the
shore. Fringe wetlands are influenced by wind-driven water level changes. Consequently,
hydroperiod varies with location and climatic conditions. Common approaches
for predicting the effects of rising sea level on fringe wetlands are inappropriate
for these unique habitats and new methods must be developed.
Contact: Joan Giordano, APNEP Public Involvement Coordinator, 943 Washington
Square Mall, Washington, NC 27889; Phone: (252) 946-6481, Fax: (252) 975-3716,
Joan.Giordano@ncmail.net
Citations: · http://h2o.enr.state.nc.us/nep/projectsvh.htm and APNEP
Document Number 88-14
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