Georgia marshes might look fine, but their roots are dying

AI-assisted summary

Despite a healthy green appearance, Georgia's salt marshes are experiencing a significant decline in belowground biomass.

This belowground decline is a critical warning sign that the marshes could soon collapse above ground.

The findings provide an early-warning system for coastal managers to prioritize restoration efforts in vulnerable areas.

A visual assessment of Georgia's marshes would likely pass with flying colors. Or more specifically, shades bright green that fade into golden-brown in the winter. Over the past decade, the state's iconic marsh grass Spartina alterniflora has increased in cover along the coast, seemingly standing strong as the nation's second-largest salt marsh.

But scientists have found the truth requires some digging.

University of Geo