Mangrove Species’ Response to Sea-Level Rise Across Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia
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- Document: Report (15 MB pdf) , XML
- Data Releases:
- Data Release - Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia Mangrove Elevation Survey Data
- USGS data release - Mangrove Elevation and Species' Responses to Sea-level Rise Across Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia (ver. 1.1, December 2021)
- Download citation as: RIS | Dublin Core
Abstract
Mangrove forests are likely vulnerable to accelerating sea-level rise; however, we lack the tools necessary to understand their future resilience. On the Pacific island of Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia, mangroves are habitat to endangered species and provide critical ecosystem services that support local communities. We developed a generalizable modeling framework for mangroves that accounts for species interactions and the belowground processes that dictate soil elevation. The modeling framework was calibrated with extensive field datasets, including accretion rates derived from thirty 1-meter-deep soil cores dated with lead-210, more than 300 forest inventory plots, water-level monitoring, and differential leveling elevation surveys. We applied the model using a community of five mangrove species and across seven regions around Pohnpei to identify which regions are most vulnerable to sea-level rise. The responses of mean elevation and the mangrove community composition were analyzed under four global sea-level rise scenarios: an increase of 37, 52, 67, or 117 centimeters by 2100. The model was validated against a 20-year surface elevation table record (1999–2019) and showed good agreement when driven by observed water levels.
The model projected that mangroves around Pohnpei can build their elevations relative to moderate rates of sea-level rise to prevent submergence, with limited changes in mangrove community composition through 2060. By 2100, however, the model projected a decreasing abundance of high-elevation mangrove species and an increasing abundance of lower elevation species adapted to more persistent flooding. Under higher sea-level rise scenarios, forest elevation decreased substantially relative to mean sea level and there were more drastic changes in the tree community composition and loss of suitable mangrove habitat by 2100. Variation in accretion rates, water levels, and initial forest elevation led to differential vulnerability around the island, such that mangroves on the leeward side of the island generally were the most at-risk to higher rates of sea-level rise. Our findings indicate that the relatively undisturbed state of the mangrove forests and the surrounding landscape is an important factor in their ability to keep pace with sea-level rise.
Suggested Citation
Buffington, K.J., MacKenzie, R.A., Carr, J.A., Apwong, M., Krauss, K.W., and Thorne, K.M., 2021, Mangrove species’ response to sea-level rise across Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia: U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 2021–1002, 44 p., https://doi.org/10.3133/ofr20211002.
ISSN: 2331-1258 (online)
Study Area
Table of Contents
- Acknowledgments
- Abstract
- Introduction
- Methods
- Results
- Discussion
- References Cited
- Appendix
Publication type | Report |
---|---|
Publication Subtype | USGS Numbered Series |
Title | Mangrove species’ response to sea-level rise across Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia |
Series title | Open-File Report |
Series number | 2021-1002 |
DOI | 10.3133/ofr20211002 |
Year Published | 2021 |
Language | English |
Publisher | U.S. Geological Survey |
Publisher location | Reston, VA |
Contributing office(s) | Western Ecological Research Center |
Description | Report: vii, 44 p.; Data Release |
Country | Federated States of Micronesia |
State | Pohnpei |
Online Only (Y/N) | Y |
Google Analytic Metrics | Metrics page |