MAR 456 Marsh Ecology

Credit, four hours.
Marsh ecology is the study of the floral and faunal elements of various coastal and near-coastal marsh communities and their interaction with the environment. The course will focus upon the main indicators of marsh wetlands (vegetation, soil, and hydrology), how they interact to form functional wetlands, and how these wetlands are linked to the estuaries and the seas beyond. The course is structured to provide abundant hands-on field experience in methods used to study wetland structure, function, and dynamics. Attention will be given to identification of indicators for the delineation of jurisdictional wetlands according to current federal guidelines. Participation in overnight field trips is part of this course. Cross-listed as: BIO 456. Prerequisite(s): BIO 211, BIO 212; MAR 340, MAR 455 recommended.