Climate, sea level, and people - Changing South Florida's mangrove coast

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Abstract

South Florida’s coast is a land of contrasts that appeals to almost everyone, whether they seek out quiet natural environments along the mangrove waterways and in the wilderness of the Everglades or vibrant international culture in Miami. Yet this paradise is threatened by a number of forces – changing climate, rising sea level, and too many people, to name a few. Florida’s past is filled with stories of dramatic change and resiliency, if we look at the geologic record. It also hints at the role of climate alone, in the absence of significant sea level change, in shaping the mangrove coast. Using our knowledge of present-day processes, such as impacts of storms on the mangroves, combined with our interpretation of the past geologic record, is the best way to anticipate future changes. The question is, have humans altered this landscape so much that the species and habitats have lost their natural resiliency, and if they have, what will happen to the people and the unique environments of south Florida?

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Publication type Book chapter
Publication Subtype Book Chapter
Title Climate, sea level, and people - Changing South Florida's mangrove coast
DOI 10.1007/978-3-030-52383-1_12
Year Published 2020
Language English
Publisher Springer
Contributing office(s) Florence Bascom Geoscience Center
Description 23 p.
First page 189
Last page 211
Country United States
State Florida
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