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The significance of reed beds on siltation in the Tay Estuary

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  05 December 2011

S. A. K. Alizai  and
J. McManus
S. A. K. Alizai
Affiliation:
Department of Geology, University of Dundee
J. McManus
Affiliation:
Department of Geology, University of Dundee
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Synopsis

The Phragmites communis marshes occupy 250–330 hectares bordering the northern tidal flats of the Tay Estuary. The outer edge of the marsh forms a step up to 50 cm in height. Reed stems grow with densities of 90–150/m2 and break to produce upward facing cylinders which entrap sediments. Measured daily accretion rates in broken stems varied from 001 g to 0.07 g. Sedimentation was greatest during spring tides, but decreased with falling tidal range. Accretion of 16 g per stem is normal and many stem plugs have greater weight. Annual rates of contribution from instem accumulation vary between 0.9 and 2.6 kg/m2 on the marsh margin. Stem fall provides cylindrical sedimentary lumps to the marsh sediments, whose internal structure reveals nodules and thin laminae juxtaposed.

Type
Research Article
Information
Proceedings of the Royal Society of Edinburgh, Section B: Biological Sciences , Volume 78 , Issue 3-4 , 1980 , pp. s1 - s13
Copyright
Copyright © Royal Society of Edinburgh 1980

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