Recognizing Salt Wave Events in Coastal Systems

Abstract

Saltwater intrusion is a critical challenge to coastal ecosystems, impacting freshwater resources, biogeochemical cycles, and habitat stability. While relevant studies often focus on the long-term trends of salinity, its episodic variability and resulting ecological disturbance remains underexplored. Here, we introduce the concept of "coastal salt waves" - periods of elevated salinity anomalies, akin to heat waves - to better characterize extreme salinity events and emphasize their significance. Using cases studies, we show that coastal salt waves exhibit significant spatial and temporal variability based on their duration, intensity, frequency, cumulation, and timing, with drivers and impacts that may differ from gradual saltwater intrusion. In years with similar average salinity, salt waves may still vary greatly in characteristics like intensity, resulting in varying environmental impacts. Furthermore, systems without rising average salinity may still face more frequent or intense salt waves. This framework supports monitoring and management strategies to mitigate coastal salinization risks.