Illinois Mobile App Master Calendar

Abstract
Coastal wetland vegetation can dampen and delay incoming tides, thereby altering residence times and the fluxes of nutrients and sediments. Here, we introduce a new approach to quantify the impact of vegetation on tidal flow retardation and water retention at large spatial scales by combining radar interferometry with in situ water-level measurements collected during low tide. Focusing on the Wax Lake Delta, Louisiana, USA, we show that vegetation in deltaic intertidal zones—particularly species such as Nelumbo lutea colonizing the transition between submerged and emergent areas—acts as an ecosystem engineer by modifying local hydrodynamics. The presence of a natural vegetation front induces significant tidal distortion, including a delay of 80–140 minutes and an amplitude reduction of approximately 20 cm. This front delays the ebb tide, elevates minimum water levels within deltaic islands, and increases hydroperiods, thereby creating more favorable conditions for wetland species colonizing low elevations. These findings highlight a positive feedback between vegetation and hydraulics, demonstrating the role of vegetation s

Bio
Sergio Fagherazzi is a Full Professor in the Department of Earth and Environment at Boston University. His research focuses on coastal geomorphology, with an emphasis on the evolution and resilience of tidal wetlands, salt marshes, and deltaic systems under changing environmental conditions. He integrates field observations, remote sensing, and numerical modeling to investigate sediment transport, landscape dynamics, and ecosystem–geomorphology feedbacks. His work has contributed to advancing the understanding of how coastal environments respond to sea-level rise, storms, and human impacts, with implications for coastal management and climate adaptation strategies.