Pine forest and salt marsh

Figure 10. This pine forest is being invaded by salt marsh. (Photograph by the author. More about the photograph)

Other aspects of salt marsh distribution are also indicators of recent sea level rise. The best example is found where salt marsh plants are extending their range into habitats dominated by plants that cannot tolerate frequent exposure to salt water. This is the case with pine forests, but in many places in North Carolina and Virginia low lying pine forests are developing a transitional salt marsh on the forest floor.

One such case on the Down East peninsula of Carteret County is shown in Figure 10. Note that in this case, most of the pines have already died while a few on slightly higher ground still retain their needles. Elsewhere, the forest floor and even the newly developing salt marsh support the growth of the red cedar — the most salt tolerant tree in this area.

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