Dataset: Carbon sequestration and sediment accretion in San Francisco Bay tidal wetlands

Policy-based interest in carbon sequestration has increased recently, and wetland restoration projects have potential for carbon credits through soil carbon sequestration. We measured sediment accretion, mineral and organic matter accumulation, and carbon sequestration rates using 137Cs and 210Pb downcore distributions at six natural tidal wetlands in the San Francisco Bay Estuary.

The accretion rates were, in general, 0.2 - 0.5 cm year -1 , indicating that local wetlands are keeping pace with recent rates of sea-level rise. Mineral accumulation rates were higher in salt marshes and at low-marsh stations within individual sites. The average carbon sequestration rate based on 210Pb dating was 79 g C m -2 year -1 , with slightly higher rates based on 137Cs dating.