The distribution patterns and dynamics of vegetation on reclaimed land in east Tokyo Bay

Abstract

To clarify the distribution of the initial stage and the generative causes of vegetation on land reclaimed by dredging soil from the seabottom, the distribution and changes of vegetation on reclaimed land in east Tokyo Bay were investigated. The distribution patterns of vegetation in this area consisted mainly of halophytic vegetation or wetland vegetation with few exceptions. The tendency of halophytic vegetation patterns to gradually change into wetland vegetation patterns with the lapse of time was studied. It could be considered that the changing patterns follow the tendency in which salt-accumulation areas of sandy land commonly make recently reclaimed land gradually change under the influence of wetlands generated outside of the area later on.