Measurements, Modeling And Remote Sensing of excHanges
to quantify wetland Carbon CYcling and Links to Estuaries


Serving as a link between the land and the ocean, tidal wetlands are exposed to a wide variety of anthropogenic and natural stressors. Among our most valuable natural resources, these rich in biodiversity and highly productive ecosystems are hot spots of biogeochemical exchanges and transformations. Despite recent advances in remote sensing observations and modeling of biogeochemical processes in terrestrial and ocean environments, large gaps remain in our understanding of key carbon processes in tidal wetland-estuarine systems at the land-ocean interface. As a result, there are many unknowns regarding the role these ecosystems play in regional and global carbon cycling, and their potential responses and services in a changing climate.
MARSHCYCLE addresses this high priority research area by integrating advanced remote sensing observations of wetlands and coastal ocean color with new mechanistic carbon cycling modeling. Partnering with relevant stakeholders, the project aims at enhancing the capability of using remote sensing and modeling tools for adaptive resource management.

                         This work is supported by NASA's Carbon Cycle & Ecosystems Program (Grant #NNX14AP06G)