Trip B: The Jarvis Creek Coastal Marshes, Branford Ct: Sea Level Rise, Marsh Recovery After Closure And Metal Pollution

This field trip explores the impacts of sea level rise and marsh dynamics in Long Island Sound (LIS), with a focus on the Jarvis Creek and Hoadley Creek marsh systems in Branford, CT. We will examine how post-glacial rebound, regional ocean circulation, and anthropogenic influences—including former tide gates and sea level rise—shape the current state of these salt marshes. Through guided hikes, sediment core collection, and field observations at three key marsh sites, we’ll investigate vegetation zonation, marsh drowning, and stratigraphic evidence of past environmental shifts. This hands-on experience supports broader understanding of how empirical data from coastal environments informs models of future sea level rise.

Leaders: Johan Varekamp & Ellen Thomas

Max. number of participants: 25