Greater sediment surface temperatures along developed shorelines provided one possible mechanism driving high-marsh responses to boundary alteration.

Sediment respirometry experiments indicated significant differences in heterotrophic and autotrophic processes occurring between shoreline treatments. Benthic infaunal community abundance and composition also were significantly different between shoreline treatments with sand fly larvae, human pest precursors, either only present or present in greater densities along developed shorelines. Black needle rush stems were significantly taller and marsh periwinkle densities significantly greater, but eastern coffee bean snail densities were significantly reduced along developed shorelines.

Significant floral and faunal differences also existed between shoreline treatments. For example, pore water salinities were greater along undeveloped shorelines during a non-drought period even after rain events. Analyses of sediment characteristics suggested development of the upland boundary affected physical conditions within the high-marsh. Possible terrestrial development effects on several physical and biological variables of high-marsh habitats were examined along developed and undeveloped shorelines in an ocean-dominated, southeastern US estuary. Anthropogenic alteration of terrestrial shorelines can have pronounced effects on marine environments at the upland-marsh boundary.

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