The creeks , rivers , and streams on the island are constantly on the move , shifting position along with the currents . These changes are natural and expected to occur far into the future . of Kiawah Island . This project included updated data for the changes in elevation throughout the entirety of Kiawah Island and the surrounding area . The Conservancy compared these numbers with a 2017 dataset from the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources to produce maps with greater detail and relevance . This new data allowed us to identify areas of erosion and accretion ( the gradual accumulation of matter ) and quantify those changes over a period of five years .
So , what does the new data tell us ? The creeks , rivers , and streams on the island are constantly on the move , shifting position along with the currents . These changes are natural and expected to occur far into the future . Meandering rivers are found throughout the world , and the streams that snake their way through around the marshes are no exception . Although these patterns aren ’ t unsurprising for researchers , there lies some concern about the widening of streams where erosion occurs on opposing sides . The most likely driver for this is the change in flow of estuarine waters , likely from the combination of upland flow into the marsh and steadily rising sea levels .
Tracking the changes in geological conditions can help us learn new information about the shifting rivers , but observing vegetation conditions can help us understand the overall health of the marsh . Vegetation , like the ubiquitous spartina grass , can anchor marsh soils and influence changes in geology . The aforementioned Marsh Vulnerability Study further examined the vegetation within the marsh instead of only at its margins . To do this , we utilized a new approach which studied the balance between vegetated and unvegetated areas , which were dubbed “ UVVR .” This method of research , while still being fully explored , has suggested that vulnerability to significant changes in the marsh habitat begins in areas with 91 % vegetation coverage or less . This finding allowed us to pinpoint areas of concern , and draw further conclusions from shoreline changes .
What this type of scientific study and research is teaching us is that most of our tidal salt marsh areas beyond the creeks are relatively resilient to change . As a part of the Conservancy ’ s Ecological Health Initiative , we ’ ll continue to monitor conditions in the marsh , through studying new aerial imagery and
38 • KIAWAH CONSERVANCY