Acknowledgments
As is the case with many demanding pursuits, this work would not have been possible without the community of people that have surrounded me for the past three years. My mentors, my colleagues, my friends and my family have given me the support to stand on my feet and do what I needed to do. First I would like to acknowledge and thank the members of my committee, whose guidance has steered me safely along this path. Bruce Hayden helped me to correctly formulate my definitions and kept me mindful of the big picture, while Steve Macko was invaluable in helping me to remember the details. Jeff Raffensperger was kind, patient and ever helpful with all things hydrological. Karen McGlathery, although an unofficial member, provided helpful advice here and there, and gave me inspiration. Finally, I want to thank Jay Zieman, my advisor. His support and guidance over the years is much appreciated. 

The crowd that helped out with my field work is vast, and I'm not sure that I have remembered everyone. Jimmy Spitler deserves many, many thanks for tirelessly ferrying me to Hog Island and back in seas both fair and rough. Among those who braved the trip with me are: Jed Tomkins, Melody Voith, Trine Christiansen, Kristin Carl, Andrea Korsak, Jenn Aiosa and Vaughan Turekian. Randy Carlson and Dave Richardson helped me determine the lay of the land with their surveying assistance. Stephanie Wear took care of some very tedious lab work, and Todd Dennis' statistical expertise allowed me to make sense of all of those numbers. 

My friends far and near have provided an invaluable outlet for both laughter and tears. Those that were nearby include Kristin Carl, Andrea Korsak, Vaughan Turekian, Maria Uhle, Mike Glasgow and Jenn Aiosa. Andy and Kristin have been two of the best friends one could hope for. They have always been ready with words of encouragement and understanding, laughter, some golf clubs, and a beer. I look forward to many more times together. Dave Osgood, Kindra Loomis, Brian Silliman and John Walsh, my fellow Hog Islanders, have provided a community of research support, thoughtful idea generation, wonderful company, and great friendship that I can't imagine being without. Dave provided wonderful assistance in getting me settled in to life and research at UVA, Kindra kept me organized and on track, and Brian helped me to keep things in perspective and inspired me to keep learning. John, thank you for being a colleague and a friend, and for that little bit of magic that keeps me laughing. To my friends who are far away, thank you for being there. 

Finally, I would like to acknowledge my family. My brother Davy has been a friend, a companion, and a silent fan. His written expressions are insightful and have meant a great deal to me. From the beginning my parents were supportive of a girl whose toys of choice were minnows and mud. Their quiet encouragement and perpetual faith in me over the years have provided a backbone of strength without which I could not have so clearly visualized or achieved my goals.

This research was funded by the Virginia Coast Reserve Long Term Ecological Research project, by a research award from the William H. Bannon Fund, and by a Presidential Fellowship from the University of Virginia.


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