If sea levels continue to rise at a slow rate, estuaries like San Francisco Bay are likely to experience increased saltwater intrusion, changes in habitat distribution and potential impacts on ecosystem services.
Estuaries are dynamic ecosystems where freshwater from rivers meets and mixes with saltwater from the ocean. They are highly sensitive to changes in sea level and a slow rise in sea levels can have several consequences for estuarine systems.
One major impact is increased saltwater intrusion into freshwater habitats. As sea levels rise, saltwater can penetrate further upstream and alter the salinity gradient within the estuary. This can negatively affect freshwater-dependent species and disrupt the balance of the estuarine ecosystem.
Moreover, the slow rise in sea levels may lead to changes in habitat distribution. Tidal marshes which provide important ecosystem services such as water filtration, carbon sequestration and habitat for numerous species may experience shifts in their extent and composition. The slow rate of sea-level rise might allow for some adaptation by estuarine ecosystems.
Note: The image that shows the the effect of rising sea level on estuaries is attached below.