Reduction in Bay sediments poses concern for tidal wetland persistence over time. Surface elevation tables (SETs) and marker horizons are used together to measure if tidal wetland elevations are increasing at a rate proportional to sea level rise. They are installed at multiple locations in a tidal wetland to understand variability within a given wetland. By precisely measuring the distance between the SET equipment and the marsh surface (to measure elevation change) and the depth of sediment and plant material deposited by tidal waters (to measure accretion) at the same location over time, researchers can calculate change rates and compare against the local rate of sea level rise. If this change is at or above the sea level rise rate (dashed line in graphic), wetlands are keeping pace. If this change is below, however, the wetland is not keeping pace and this could result in changes in vegetation to plants that can withstand longer periods of inundation or complete loss of vegetation.