Sea Level Affecting Marshes - Modeling
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Provided by: Long Island Sound Study|Published on: April 13, 2024
Articles/Websites
Scientist Reviewed
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Synopsis
- In this article, students will learn that the Sea Level Affecting Marshes Model (SLAMM) makes long-term predictions about salt marshes, SLAMM data can help communities form climate adaptation strategies, and the CT ECO website is a useful tool for learning about Connecticut's salt marshes.
- The article includes a slideshow of images, including some of the East River Marsh and a marsh in Mamacoke Island, and another showing the SLAMM sea level rise scenario for Hammonasset Beach State Park.

Subjects: Biology, Earth and Space Sciences
Authors: Long Island Sound Study
Region: North America, USA - Northeast, United States, Connecticut, New York, Long Island NY, Coastal CT
Languages: English
Teaching Materials
Positives
- This article helps Connecticut students understand how climate change impacts their local ecosystems.
- The article also touches on how SLAMM data will aid municipalities in New York State.
Additional Prerequisites
- The "UConn CLEAR website" link does not work.
- It may be helpful if students understand the connection between sea level rise and climate change.
- Students should know the terms used to describe the habitats in the map legend.
Differentiation
- This article can fit within a larger unit on climate change adaptation or land management.
- Students can use this article for a research project on wetland ecosystems in the United States.
- This article can support a lesson on the impact of sea level rise on coastal communities.
- This article can enhance a classroom activity where students analyze a SLAMM viewer and draw scientific conclusions.
- Students can use this article to learn about climate projections and their significance.
This resource from Long Island Sound Study is an introduction to the SLAMM (Sea Level Affecting Marshes Model) tool that models how salt marshes will migrate in this century due to sea level rise resulting from global climate change. The resource links several GIS web tools that allow students to interact with model data, and there is an excellent PDF format manual for each of the three map viewers. These maps are all based on a model that is widely used and incorporates both high- and low-end projections of sea level rise. This resource includes links to all technical documentation and lists all research partners. An excellent glossary is linked on the right side of the main page, and all text is neatly organized and unambiguous. This resource is recommended for teaching.
Teaching Tips
Standards
Resource Type and Format
Scientist Reviewed
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Our review process ensures that every resource in our library reflects the current state of climate science.
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