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Storm surge and ponding explain mangrove dieback in southwest Florida following Hurricane Irma

Author

Listed:
  • David Lagomasino

    (East Carolina University)

  • Temilola Fatoyinbo

    (NASA Goddard Space Flight Center)

  • Edward Castañeda-Moya

    (Florida International University)

  • Bruce D. Cook

    (NASA Goddard Space Flight Center)

  • Paul M. Montesano

    (NASA Goddard Space Flight Center
    Science Systems and Applications, Inc.)

  • Christopher S. R. Neigh

    (NASA Goddard Space Flight Center)

  • Lawrence A. Corp

    (NASA Goddard Space Flight Center
    Science Systems and Applications, Inc.)

  • Lesley E. Ott

    (NASA Goddard Space Flight Center)

  • Selena Chavez

    (Florida International University)

  • Douglas C. Morton

    (NASA Goddard Space Flight Center)

Abstract

Mangroves buffer inland ecosystems from hurricane winds and storm surge. However, their ability to withstand harsh cyclone conditions depends on plant resilience traits and geomorphology. Using airborne lidar and satellite imagery collected before and after Hurricane Irma, we estimated that 62% of mangroves in southwest Florida suffered canopy damage, with largest impacts in tall forests (>10 m). Mangroves on well-drained sites (83%) resprouted new leaves within one year after the storm. By contrast, in poorly-drained inland sites, we detected one of the largest mangrove diebacks on record (10,760 ha), triggered by Irma. We found evidence that the combination of low elevation (median = 9.4 cm asl), storm surge water levels (>1.4 m above the ground surface), and hydrologic isolation drove coastal forest vulnerability and were independent of tree height or wind exposure. Our results indicated that storm surge and ponding caused dieback, not wind. Tidal restoration and hydrologic management in these vulnerable, low-lying coastal areas can reduce mangrove mortality and improve resilience to future cyclones.

Suggested Citation

  • David Lagomasino & Temilola Fatoyinbo & Edward Castañeda-Moya & Bruce D. Cook & Paul M. Montesano & Christopher S. R. Neigh & Lawrence A. Corp & Lesley E. Ott & Selena Chavez & Douglas C. Morton, 2021. "Storm surge and ponding explain mangrove dieback in southwest Florida following Hurricane Irma," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 12(1), pages 1-8, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:12:y:2021:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-021-24253-y
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-24253-y
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    Cited by:

    1. Xichen Xu & Dongjie Fu & Fenzhen Su & Vincent Lyne & Hao Yu & Jiasheng Tang & Xiaorun Hong & Juan Wang, 2024. "Global distribution and decline of mangrove coastal protection extends far beyond area loss," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 15(1), pages 1-13, December.

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