changing landscapes
The Wicomico & Nanticoke River
EROSION is the gradual loss of land from wind or water. |
SEA LEVEL RISE is when there is an increase of water in the ocean due to the melting of glaciers. |
SUBSIDENCE is a geological process where the land is sinking or settling to a lower level (2). |
Ellis Bay is a tidal wetland located at the mouth of the Wicomico River which is a well used area for hunting and fishing. While sea level rise has not affected this area much from 1958 to today, the future projections of sea level rise for 2050 and 2100 show how significant the land loss will be. The mouth of the Wicomico will become much larger than it is now. This wetland harbors habitat for the Saltmarsh Sparrow, waterfowl, and Smooth Cordgrass but, if the sea levels continue to rise, the habitat will be lost.
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Pemberton Park is located on the Wicomico River in Salisbury. Pemberton Park is home to many recreational trails as well as a tidal wetland, shown in the map. The wetland has been receding, and projections for 2050 and 2100 suggest that all of the wetland will be lost, which will then widen this section of the Wicomico River. Pemberton Park is home to many native plant species, including Smooth Cordgrass as well as waterfowl species like the wood duck.
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Barren Creek is located on the Nanticoke River in Mardela Springs. This area is a tidal wetland area, and is home to many native plant species as well as migratory waterfowl. As the map to the right shows, this part of the river has not seen any significant impacts from sea level rise yet. Future projections show a major loss of the wetland as well as homes in Mardela Springs. Not only will the wetland be affected, but infrastructure as well.
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Roaring Point and Ragged Point are located at the mouth of the Nanticoke River. Roaring Point has recreational value, as it used as a campsite as well as kayaking and other activities. There has not been any significant impacts from sea level rise thus far, but the map to the left shows Ragged Point effects being much more sizable than Roaring Point. |
Dasheills Point is located on the Nanticoke River in Wetipquin Creek. As you can see from the map to the right, Dasheills Point has lost a great amount of land since 1938, and the rising seas will only further reduce land mass as time goes on. Not only will the wetlands of Wetipquin be affected, but the town of Wetipqiun will have to prepare for a loss of infrastructure. |