SOIL-LANDSCAPE RELATIONSHIPS OF THE TIDAL MARSHES OF MARYLAND

A study was conducted to investigate and model the soil-landscape relationships represented in the 87 000 ha of tidal marsh in Maryland. Models are presented for 3 physiogrpahic marsh landscapes: coastal, estuarine, and submerged upland. Coastal marshes, about 6% of the total marsh area, have formed in the lagoons behind coastal barried islands. The associated soils are primarily Sulfaquents and Sulfihemists. Estuarine marshes, 38% of the total, have formed from recent accumulation of sediments in stream channels and estuarine meanders. The majority of the associated soils are Sulfaquents, Sulfihemists, and Hydraquents. Submerged upland marshes are the most extensive, covering an estimated 54% of the total. These marshes have formed as a result of the inundation of low-lying uplands by rising sea level. It appears that the soils were formerly Auults and, because of submergence, they have become Histic Halaqualfs (proposed) and Sulfihemists.-Authors