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Barrier island habitat map and vegetation survey—Dauphin Island, Alabama, 2015

Open-File Report 2017-1083
Prepared in collaboration with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
By: , , , , , , and 
https://doi.org/10.3133/ofr20171083

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Abstract

Barrier islands are dynamic environments due to their position at the land-sea interface. Storms, waves, tides, currents, and relative sea-level rise are powerful forces that shape barrier island geomorphology and habitats (for example, beach, dune, marsh, and forest). Hurricane Katrina in 2005 and the Deep Water Horizon oil spill in 2010 are two major events that have affected habitats and natural resources on Dauphin Island, Alabama. The latter event prompted a collaborative effort between the U.S. Geological Survey, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and the State of Alabama funded by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation to investigate viable, sustainable restoration options that protect and restore the natural resources of Dauphin Island, Alabama.

In order to understand the feasibility and sustainability of various restoration scenarios, it is important to understand current conditions on Dauphin Island. To further this understanding, a detailed 19-class habitat map for Dauphin Island was produced from 1-foot aerial infrared photography collected on December 4, 2015, and lidar data collected in January 2015. We also conducted a ground survey of habitat types, vegetation community structure, and elevations in November and December 2015. These products provide baseline data regarding the ecological and general geomorphological attributes of the area, which can be compared with observations from other dates for tracking changes over time.

Suggested Citation

Enwright, N.M., Borchert, S.M., Day, R.H., Feher, L.C., Osland, M.J., Wang, Lei, and Wang, Hongqing, 2017, Barrier island habitat map and vegetation survey—Dauphin Island, Alabama, 2015: U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 2017–1083, 17 p., https://doi.org/10.3133/ofr20171083.

ISSN: 2331-1258 (online)

Study Area

Table of Contents

  • Acknowledgments
  • Abstract
  • Introduction
  • Methods
  • Results
  • Conclusion
  • References Cited
Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Barrier island habitat map and vegetation survey—Dauphin Island, Alabama, 2015
Series title Open-File Report
Series number 2017-1083
DOI 10.3133/ofr20171083
Year Published 2017
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Publisher location Reston, VA
Contributing office(s) Wetland and Aquatic Research Center
Description Report: vi, 17 p.; Data Release
Country United States
State Alabama
Other Geospatial Dauphin Island
Online Only (Y/N) Y
Additional Online Files (Y/N) Y
Google Analytic Metrics Metrics page
Additional publication details