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Kevin Buffington

Kevin Buffington is an ecologist at the Western Ecological Research Center.

EDUCATION

B.S. Biology, 2007, University of Wisconsin- Eau Claire,, Eau Claire, WI.
M.S. Biology, 2010, Idaho State University, Pocatello, ID.
Ph.D. Fisheries and Wildlife, anticipated Mar 2017, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR

RESEARCH INTERESTS

  • Climate change ecology
  • Remote Sensing
  • Sea-level rise and salt marsh habitats
  • Spatial modeling
  • Species Distribution Modeling
  • Physiological tolerances
  • Wildlife biology

Science and Products

Mangroves on the outside of a playa within Florida Bay

Coastal Wetland Vulnerability to Climate Change and Sea-Level Rise: Understanding Ecological Thresholds and Ecosystem Transformations

Eighteen USGS coastal scientists from all four coasts of the conterminous United States are working together to advance the understanding of climate change and sea-level rise impacts to coastal wetlands.
By
California Water Science Center, Chesapeake Bay Activities, Eastern Ecological Science Center, Florence Bascom Geoscience Center, Great Lakes Science Center, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center, St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center, Western Ecological Research Center (WERC), Western Geographic Science Center, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center , Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center
Coastal Wetland Vulnerability to Climate Change and Sea-Level Rise: Understanding Ecological Thresholds and Ecosystem Transformations

Coastal Wetland Vulnerability to Climate Change and Sea-Level Rise: Understanding Ecological Thresholds and Ecosystem Transformations

Eighteen USGS coastal scientists from all four coasts of the conterminous United States are working together to advance the understanding of climate change and sea-level rise impacts to coastal wetlands.
Learn More
View of mangroves along the coast in La Parguera, Lajas, Puerto Rico.

Developing a Pacific Mangrove Monitoring Network (PACMAN) in Response to Sea Level Rise

Continued sea-level rise from a changing climate is expected to result in the loss of many coastal mangrove trees, which, will strongly affect human populations on isolated Western Pacific islands as they rely heavily on mangrove forests for food (fish, shrimp, and crabs), building materials, and firewood. Mangroves also protect local communities from tsunamis and cyclones and are...
By
Climate Adaptation Science Centers
Developing a Pacific Mangrove Monitoring Network (PACMAN) in Response to Sea Level Rise

Developing a Pacific Mangrove Monitoring Network (PACMAN) in Response to Sea Level Rise

Continued sea-level rise from a changing climate is expected to result in the loss of many coastal mangrove trees, which, will strongly affect human populations on isolated Western Pacific islands as they rely heavily on mangrove forests for food (fish, shrimp, and crabs), building materials, and firewood. Mangroves also protect local communities from tsunamis and cyclones and are important for cl
Learn More
LUCAS model

Wetland Carbon Working Group: Improving Methodologies and Estimates of Carbon and Greenhouse Gas Flux in Wetlands

WARC researchers are working to quantify the impacts of future climate and land use/land cover change on greenhouse gas emissions and reductions.
By
Land Management Research Program, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center , Gulf of America
Wetland Carbon Working Group: Improving Methodologies and Estimates of Carbon and Greenhouse Gas Flux in Wetlands

Wetland Carbon Working Group: Improving Methodologies and Estimates of Carbon and Greenhouse Gas Flux in Wetlands

WARC researchers are working to quantify the impacts of future climate and land use/land cover change on greenhouse gas emissions and reductions.
Learn More
Tropical mangrove forest with dense aboveground roots, with a channel of water in the middle

Sea-level Rise Vulnerability of Mangrove Forests in Micronesia and the Pacific

The USGS and partners are studying how mangrove forests in the Federated States of Micronesia may respond to sea-level rise over the coming century. Their projections will help Micronesian communities plan for the future.
By
Land Management Research Program, Western Ecological Research Center (WERC)
Sea-level Rise Vulnerability of Mangrove Forests in Micronesia and the Pacific

Sea-level Rise Vulnerability of Mangrove Forests in Micronesia and the Pacific

The USGS and partners are studying how mangrove forests in the Federated States of Micronesia may respond to sea-level rise over the coming century. Their projections will help Micronesian communities plan for the future.
Learn More
Image: Bird Island

The Impact of Sea-Level Rise on Coral Reef and Mangrove Interactions and the Resulting Coastal Flooding Hazards

Ecosystems such as coral reefs and mangroves provide an effective first line of defense against coastal hazards and represent a promising nature-based solution to adapt to sea-level rise. In many areas, coral reefs cause waves to break and lose energy, allowing for sediment to accumulate on the inshore portion of reef flats (i.e. the shallowest, flattest part of a reef) and mangroves to...
By
Climate Adaptation Science Centers
The Impact of Sea-Level Rise on Coral Reef and Mangrove Interactions and the Resulting Coastal Flooding Hazards

The Impact of Sea-Level Rise on Coral Reef and Mangrove Interactions and the Resulting Coastal Flooding Hazards

Ecosystems such as coral reefs and mangroves provide an effective first line of defense against coastal hazards and represent a promising nature-based solution to adapt to sea-level rise. In many areas, coral reefs cause waves to break and lose energy, allowing for sediment to accumulate on the inshore portion of reef flats (i.e. the shallowest, flattest part of a reef) and mangroves to establish.
Learn More
Pacific coast wetlands

Webinar: Sea-Level Rise, El Niño, and Storm Effects on Coastal Tidal Marshes

View this webinar to learn how climate change may affect El Niño events and extreme storms on coastal wetlands.
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Climate Adaptation Science Centers
Webinar: Sea-Level Rise, El Niño, and Storm Effects on Coastal Tidal Marshes

Webinar: Sea-Level Rise, El Niño, and Storm Effects on Coastal Tidal Marshes

View this webinar to learn how climate change may affect El Niño events and extreme storms on coastal wetlands.
Learn More
Filter Total Items: 25

A Compilation of Soil, Vegetation, Elevation and Bathymetry Attributes in San Pablo Bay Comparing Marsh Restorations using Beneficial Reuse of Dredged Material to Naturally Accreting Restorations, 2023-2025 A Compilation of Soil, Vegetation, Elevation and Bathymetry Attributes in San Pablo Bay Comparing Marsh Restorations using Beneficial Reuse of Dredged Material to Naturally Accreting Restorations, 2023-2025

This dataset includes measurements of physical and biological parameters of two restored tidal wetlands that utilized beneficial reuse material (Hamilton Restoration, Sonoma Baylands), and compares their attributes to two wetlands that have been restored through natural tidal sediment accretion (Tolay, Carl’s Marsh) and one wetland that had never been diked (Pinkston Slough). Throughout...
By
Western Ecological Research Center (WERC)

Soil Properties of Tidal Marshes Across Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge, California Soil Properties of Tidal Marshes Across Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge, California

Soil cores were collected across the marshes of Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge in California to assess belowground properties and for radioisotope dating. Data from the soil cores include dry bulk density, organic matter proportion, carbon, and accretion rates. These data were then used to calibrate a wetland model (WARMER3) to assess future elevation and...
By
Western Ecological Research Center (WERC)

North American dataset of ecosystem properties in tidal saline wetlands—Canopy height, aboveground biomass, productivity, soil carbon density, and soil carbon accumulation North American dataset of ecosystem properties in tidal saline wetlands—Canopy height, aboveground biomass, productivity, soil carbon density, and soil carbon accumulation

This dataset includes literature-derived ecological data from tidal saline wetlands across the United States, Canada, and Mexico for the following ecosystem properties: canopy height, aboveground biomass, productivity, soil carbon density, and soil carbon accumulation rates.
By
Wetland and Aquatic Research Center

Sediment core radioisotope measurements in coastal wetlands along the Chesapeake Bay Sediment core radioisotope measurements in coastal wetlands along the Chesapeake Bay

Data shows radioisotope measurements (Pb-210 and Cs-137) of sediment cores from four coastal wetlands along the Chesapeake Bay (one core from each site). Cores were sectioned every 1-2 cm depth.
By
Chesapeake Bay Activities, Eastern Ecological Science Center

Waterfowl Brood Drone Surveys from Suisun, California 2019 Waterfowl Brood Drone Surveys from Suisun, California 2019

Effective waterfowl management relies on the collection of relevant demographic data to inform land management decisions; however, some types of data are difficult to obtain. For waterfowl, brood surveys are difficult to conduct because wetland habitats often obscure ducklings from being visually assessed. Here, we used Unoccupied Aerial Systems (UAS) to assess what wetland habitat...
By
Western Ecological Research Center (WERC)

Soil Characteristics and Accretion Rates in Mangrove Forests across Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia Soil Characteristics and Accretion Rates in Mangrove Forests across Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia

Soil cores were collected in mangrove forests across Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia to understand spatial variation in accretion rates. Cores were dated using lead-210 and processed for bulk density and organic matter percent through loss-on-ignition analysis. A total of 30 cores were successfully dated across seven regions around the island.
By
Western Ecological Research Center (WERC)

When and where could rising seas cross thresholds for initiating wetland drowning across conterminous United States? When and where could rising seas cross thresholds for initiating wetland drowning across conterminous United States?

Recent data syntheses have clarified future relative sea-level rise exposure and sensitivity thresholds for drowning. We integrated these advances to estimate when and where rising sea levels could cross thresholds for initiating wetland drowning across the conterminous United States. We evaluated three sea-level rise thresholds for wetland drowning (4, 7, and 10 mm/yr). Our study area...
By
Ecosystems Land Change Science Program, Chesapeake Bay Activities, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center

Marsh Vegetation Surveys Across the San Francisco Bay Estuary, 2008-2018 Marsh Vegetation Surveys Across the San Francisco Bay Estuary, 2008-2018

Fifty-one tidal marsh sites across five regions (sub-embayments) were surveyed in the Delta, Suisun Bay, San Pablo Bay, central San Francisco Bay, and South San Francisco Bay. Vegetation surveys spanned ten years, from July 2008 to January 2018. A total of 5,112 plots were surveyed. Plots were positioned on transects along an elevation gradient and evenly distributed across each site...
By
Western Ecological Research Center (WERC)

Data Describing Site Characteristics Including Conifer Regeneration Following the 2018 Carr Fire in Whiskeytown National Recreation Area Data Describing Site Characteristics Including Conifer Regeneration Following the 2018 Carr Fire in Whiskeytown National Recreation Area

This dataset provides seedling density and site characteristics for 131 plots in Whiskeytown National Recreation Area in California, USA. Site characteristics include modeled seed availability and terrain indices calculated using a 1 meter resolution digital elevation model (DEM).
By
Western Ecological Research Center (WERC)

Elevation and Mangrove Cover Projections under Sea-Level Rise Scenarios at J.N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge, Sanibel Island, Florida, 2020-2100 Elevation and Mangrove Cover Projections under Sea-Level Rise Scenarios at J.N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge, Sanibel Island, Florida, 2020-2100

Elevation projections from the WARMER-Mangroves model for J N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge across a range of sea-level rise scenarios (53, 115, and 183 cm by 2100). The model was calibrated using dated soil cores sampled from the basin hydrologic zone. These data support the following publication: Buffington, K.J., Thorne, K.M., Krauss, K.W., Conrad, J.K., Drexler, J.Z., and...
By
Western Ecological Research Center (WERC)

Bias-Corrected Topobathymetric Elevation Model for South Florida, 2018 Bias-Corrected Topobathymetric Elevation Model for South Florida, 2018

Accurate elevation data in coastal ecosystems are crucial for understanding vulnerability to sea-level rise. Lidar has become increasingly available; however, in tidal wetlands such as mangroves and salt marsh, vertical bias from dense vegetation reduces accuracy of the delivered 'base earth' products. To increase accuracy of elevation models across south Florida, we applied the LEAN...
By
Western Ecological Research Center (WERC)

Salt marsh monitoring during water years 2013 to 2019, Humboldt Bay, CA – water levels, surface deposition, elevation change, and carbon storage Salt marsh monitoring during water years 2013 to 2019, Humboldt Bay, CA – water levels, surface deposition, elevation change, and carbon storage

This data release includes montorting data collected by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Humboldt Bay Water Quality and Salt Marsh Monitoring Project. The datasets include continuous water levels collected at a 6-minute timestep collected in two study marshes (Mad River and Hookton). Surface deposition, elevation changes and carbon storage (in marsh edge environments) measured in five...
By
California Water Science Center
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Filter Total Items: 41

Ecological thresholds and transformations due to climate change: The role of abiotic stress Ecological thresholds and transformations due to climate change: The role of abiotic stress

An ecological threshold is the point at which a comparatively small environmental change triggers an abrupt and disproportionately large ecological response. In the face of accelerating climate change, there is concern that abrupt ecosystem transformations will become more widespread as critical ecological thresholds are crossed. There has been ongoing debate, however, regarding the...
Authors
Michael Osland, John B. Bradford, Lauren Toth, Matthew J. Germino, James Grace, Judith Z. Drexler, Camille Stagg, Eric E. Grossman, Karen M. Thorne, Stephanie Romanach, Davina Passeri, Gregory Noe, Jessica R. Lacy, Ken Krauss, Kurt P. Kowalski, Glenn R. Guntenspergen, Neil K. Ganju, Nicholas Enwright, Joel A. Carr, Kristin B. Byrd, Kevin Buffington
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, California Water Science Center, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center, Southwest Biological Science Center, St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center, Western Ecological Research Center (WERC), Western Geographic Science Center, Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center , Florence Bascom Geoscience Center, Eastern Ecological Science Center

Nature-based solutions could offset coastal squeeze of tidal wetlands from sea-level rise on the U.S. Pacific coast Nature-based solutions could offset coastal squeeze of tidal wetlands from sea-level rise on the U.S. Pacific coast

In this study, we explored the opportunities for tidal wetland landward migration in response to sea-level rise on the Pacific Coast of the United States. By employing a systematic spatial approach, we quantified the available space for wetland migration with sea-level rise across 61 estuarine drainage areas. Although many of the existing tidal wetlands are small patches, our analyses...
Authors
Karen M. Thorne, Kevin Buffington, Michael Osland, Bogdan Chivoiu, James Grace, Nicholas Enwright, Glenn R. Guntenspergen
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Western Ecological Research Center (WERC)

Surveying waterfowl broods in wetlands using aerial drones Surveying waterfowl broods in wetlands using aerial drones

Effective waterfowl management relies on the collection of relevant demographic data to inform land management decisions; however, some types of data are difficult to obtain. For waterfowl, brood surveys are difficult to conduct because wetland habitats often obscure ducklings from being visually assessed. Here, we used Unoccupied Aerial Systems (UAS) to assess what wetland habitat...
Authors
Desmond Alexander Mackell, Michael L. Casazza, Cory T. Overton, Kevin Buffington, Chase M. Freeman, Josh T. Ackerman, Karen M. Thorne
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Western Ecological Research Center (WERC)

Projecting mangrove forest resilience to sea-level rise on a Pacific Island: Species dynamics and ecological thresholds Projecting mangrove forest resilience to sea-level rise on a Pacific Island: Species dynamics and ecological thresholds

Mangroves can increase their elevation relative to tidal flooding through biogeomorphic feedbacks but can submerge if rates of sea-level rise are too great. There is an urgent need to understand the vulnerability of mangroves to sea-level rise so local communities and resource managers can implement and prioritize actions. The need is especially pressing for small islands, which have...
Authors
Kevin Buffington, Joel A. Carr, Richard Mackenzie, Maybeleen Apwong, Ken Krauss, Karen M. Thorne
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Western Ecological Research Center (WERC), Wetland and Aquatic Research Center , Eastern Ecological Science Center

Learning from a high-severity fire event—Conditions following the 2018 Carr Fire at Whiskeytown National Recreation Area Learning from a high-severity fire event—Conditions following the 2018 Carr Fire at Whiskeytown National Recreation Area

The 2018 Carr Fire burned more than 90 percent of Whiskeytown National Recreation Area, with much of the park burning at high severity. California yellow pine and mixed conifer forests are not well adapted to large, high-severity fires, and forest recovery after these events may be problematic. Large, high-severity fire patches pose difficulties for recruitment with interiors that are...
Authors
Phillip J. van Mantgem, Micah C. Wright, Karen M. Thorne, Jill Beckmann, Kevin Buffington, Lyndsay L. Rankin, Audrey Colley, Eamon A. Engber
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Western Ecological Research Center (WERC)

Rising seas could cross thresholds for initiating coastal wetland drowning within decades across much of the United States Rising seas could cross thresholds for initiating coastal wetland drowning within decades across much of the United States

Accelerated sea-level rise is an existential threat to coastal wetlands, but the timing and extent of wetland drowning are debated. Recent data syntheses have clarified future relative sea-level rise exposure and sensitivity thresholds for drowning. Here, we integrate these advances to estimate when and where rising sea levels could cross thresholds for initiating wetland drowning across...
Authors
Michael Osland, Bogdan Chivoiu, James Grace, Nicholas Enwright, Glenn R. Guntenspergen, Kevin Buffington, Karen M. Thorne, Joel A. Carr, William V. Sweet, Brady Couvillion
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Ecosystems Land Change Science Program, Chesapeake Bay Activities, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center

Application of lidar to assess the habitat selection of an endangered small mammal in an estuarine wetland environment Application of lidar to assess the habitat selection of an endangered small mammal in an estuarine wetland environment

Light detection and ranging (lidar) has emerged as a valuable tool for examining the fine-scale characteristics of vegetation. However, lidar is rarely used to examine coastal wetland vegetation or the habitat selection of small mammals. Extensive anthropogenic modification has threatened the endemic species in the estuarine wetlands of the California coast, such as the endangered salt...
Authors
J.S. Hagani, J.Y. Takekawa, S.M. Skalos, Michael L. Casazza, M.K. Riley, S.A. Estrella, L. Barthman-Thompson, K.R. Smith, Kevin Buffington, Karen M. Thorne
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Western Ecological Research Center (WERC)

Stress gradients structure spatial variability in coastal tidal marsh plant composition and diversity in a major Pacific coast estuary Stress gradients structure spatial variability in coastal tidal marsh plant composition and diversity in a major Pacific coast estuary

Understanding the drivers of variability in plant diversity from local to landscape spatial scales is a challenge in ecological systems. Environmental gradients exist at several spatial scales and can be nested hierarchically, influencing patterns of plant diversity in complex ways. As plant community dynamics influence ecosystem function, understanding the drivers of plant community...
Authors
Lyndsay L. Rankin, Scott F. Jones, Christopher N. Janousek, Kevin Buffington, John Takekawa, Karen M. Thorne
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Ecosystems Land Change Science Program, Western Ecological Research Center (WERC)

Spatially explicit models of seed availability improve predictions of conifer regeneration following the 2018 Carr Fire in northern California Spatially explicit models of seed availability improve predictions of conifer regeneration following the 2018 Carr Fire in northern California

For many conifer species in dry conifer forests of North America, seeds must be present for postfire regeneration to occur, suggesting that seed dispersal from surviving trees plays a critical role in postfire forest recovery. However, the application of tree fecundity and spatial arrangement to postfire conifer recovery predictions have only recently become more common, and is often...
Authors
Micah C. Wright, Phillip J. van Mantgem, Kevin Buffington, Karen M. Thorne, Eamon Engber, Sean Smith
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Western Ecological Research Center (WERC)

Mangrove habitat persistence and carbon vulnerability associated with increased nutrient loading and sea-level rise at Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge (Sanibel Island, Florida, USA) Mangrove habitat persistence and carbon vulnerability associated with increased nutrient loading and sea-level rise at Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge (Sanibel Island, Florida, USA)

J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge (DDNWR) is located on Sanibel Island along the southwestern coast of Florida, USA. Sanibel Island is heavily developed, but DDNWR provides protection for a large mangrove area that supports biodiversity and recreational opportunity. However, nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) eutrophication attributed to agriculture discharge along the...
Authors
Ken Krauss, Jeremy R. Conrad, Jamie A. Duberstein, Eric Ward, Judith Z. Drexler, Kevin Buffington, Karen M. Thorne, Brian W. Benscoter, Haley Miller, Natalie T. Faron, Sergio Merino, Andrew From, Elitsa I. Peneva-Reed, Zhiliang Zhu
By
Water Resources Mission Area, Ecosystems Mission Area, California Water Science Center, Western Ecological Research Center (WERC), Wetland and Aquatic Research Center

Future marsh evolution due to tidal changes induced by human adaptation to sea level rise Future marsh evolution due to tidal changes induced by human adaptation to sea level rise

With sea level rise threatening coastal development, decision-makers are beginning to act by modifying shorelines. Previous research has shown that hardening or softening shorelines may change the tidal range under future sea level rise. Tidal range can also be changed by natural factors. Coastal marshes, which humans increasingly depend on for shoreline protection, are ecologically...
Authors
Celina Balderas-Guzman, Kevin Buffington, Karen M. Thorne, Glenn R. Guntenspergen, Michelle A. Hummel, Mark T. Stacey
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Eastern Ecological Science Center

Phenotypic trait differences between Iris pseudacorus in native and introduced ranges support greater capacity of invasive populations to withstand sea level rise Phenotypic trait differences between Iris pseudacorus in native and introduced ranges support greater capacity of invasive populations to withstand sea level rise

AimTidal wetlands are greatly impacted by climate change, and by the invasion of alien plant species that are being exposed to salinity changes and longer inundation periods resulting from sea level rise. To explore the capacity for the invasion of Iris pseudacorus to persist with sea level rise, we initiated an intercontinental study along estuarine gradients in the invaded North...
Authors
Brenda J. Grewell, Blanca Gallego-Tévar, Gael Bárcenas-Moreno, Christine R. Whitcraft, Karen M. Thorne, Kevin Buffington, Jesus M. Castillo
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Western Ecological Research Center (WERC)

Science and Products

Mangroves on the outside of a playa within Florida Bay

Coastal Wetland Vulnerability to Climate Change and Sea-Level Rise: Understanding Ecological Thresholds and Ecosystem Transformations

Eighteen USGS coastal scientists from all four coasts of the conterminous United States are working together to advance the understanding of climate change and sea-level rise impacts to coastal wetlands.
By
California Water Science Center, Chesapeake Bay Activities, Eastern Ecological Science Center, Florence Bascom Geoscience Center, Great Lakes Science Center, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center, St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center, Western Ecological Research Center (WERC), Western Geographic Science Center, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center , Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center
Coastal Wetland Vulnerability to Climate Change and Sea-Level Rise: Understanding Ecological Thresholds and Ecosystem Transformations

Coastal Wetland Vulnerability to Climate Change and Sea-Level Rise: Understanding Ecological Thresholds and Ecosystem Transformations

Eighteen USGS coastal scientists from all four coasts of the conterminous United States are working together to advance the understanding of climate change and sea-level rise impacts to coastal wetlands.
Learn More
View of mangroves along the coast in La Parguera, Lajas, Puerto Rico.

Developing a Pacific Mangrove Monitoring Network (PACMAN) in Response to Sea Level Rise

Continued sea-level rise from a changing climate is expected to result in the loss of many coastal mangrove trees, which, will strongly affect human populations on isolated Western Pacific islands as they rely heavily on mangrove forests for food (fish, shrimp, and crabs), building materials, and firewood. Mangroves also protect local communities from tsunamis and cyclones and are...
By
Climate Adaptation Science Centers
Developing a Pacific Mangrove Monitoring Network (PACMAN) in Response to Sea Level Rise

Developing a Pacific Mangrove Monitoring Network (PACMAN) in Response to Sea Level Rise

Continued sea-level rise from a changing climate is expected to result in the loss of many coastal mangrove trees, which, will strongly affect human populations on isolated Western Pacific islands as they rely heavily on mangrove forests for food (fish, shrimp, and crabs), building materials, and firewood. Mangroves also protect local communities from tsunamis and cyclones and are important for cl
Learn More
LUCAS model

Wetland Carbon Working Group: Improving Methodologies and Estimates of Carbon and Greenhouse Gas Flux in Wetlands

WARC researchers are working to quantify the impacts of future climate and land use/land cover change on greenhouse gas emissions and reductions.
By
Land Management Research Program, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center , Gulf of America
Wetland Carbon Working Group: Improving Methodologies and Estimates of Carbon and Greenhouse Gas Flux in Wetlands

Wetland Carbon Working Group: Improving Methodologies and Estimates of Carbon and Greenhouse Gas Flux in Wetlands

WARC researchers are working to quantify the impacts of future climate and land use/land cover change on greenhouse gas emissions and reductions.
Learn More
Tropical mangrove forest with dense aboveground roots, with a channel of water in the middle

Sea-level Rise Vulnerability of Mangrove Forests in Micronesia and the Pacific

The USGS and partners are studying how mangrove forests in the Federated States of Micronesia may respond to sea-level rise over the coming century. Their projections will help Micronesian communities plan for the future.
By
Land Management Research Program, Western Ecological Research Center (WERC)
Sea-level Rise Vulnerability of Mangrove Forests in Micronesia and the Pacific

Sea-level Rise Vulnerability of Mangrove Forests in Micronesia and the Pacific

The USGS and partners are studying how mangrove forests in the Federated States of Micronesia may respond to sea-level rise over the coming century. Their projections will help Micronesian communities plan for the future.
Learn More
Image: Bird Island

The Impact of Sea-Level Rise on Coral Reef and Mangrove Interactions and the Resulting Coastal Flooding Hazards

Ecosystems such as coral reefs and mangroves provide an effective first line of defense against coastal hazards and represent a promising nature-based solution to adapt to sea-level rise. In many areas, coral reefs cause waves to break and lose energy, allowing for sediment to accumulate on the inshore portion of reef flats (i.e. the shallowest, flattest part of a reef) and mangroves to...
By
Climate Adaptation Science Centers
The Impact of Sea-Level Rise on Coral Reef and Mangrove Interactions and the Resulting Coastal Flooding Hazards

The Impact of Sea-Level Rise on Coral Reef and Mangrove Interactions and the Resulting Coastal Flooding Hazards

Ecosystems such as coral reefs and mangroves provide an effective first line of defense against coastal hazards and represent a promising nature-based solution to adapt to sea-level rise. In many areas, coral reefs cause waves to break and lose energy, allowing for sediment to accumulate on the inshore portion of reef flats (i.e. the shallowest, flattest part of a reef) and mangroves to establish.
Learn More
Pacific coast wetlands

Webinar: Sea-Level Rise, El Niño, and Storm Effects on Coastal Tidal Marshes

View this webinar to learn how climate change may affect El Niño events and extreme storms on coastal wetlands.
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Climate Adaptation Science Centers
Webinar: Sea-Level Rise, El Niño, and Storm Effects on Coastal Tidal Marshes

Webinar: Sea-Level Rise, El Niño, and Storm Effects on Coastal Tidal Marshes

View this webinar to learn how climate change may affect El Niño events and extreme storms on coastal wetlands.
Learn More
Filter Total Items: 25

A Compilation of Soil, Vegetation, Elevation and Bathymetry Attributes in San Pablo Bay Comparing Marsh Restorations using Beneficial Reuse of Dredged Material to Naturally Accreting Restorations, 2023-2025 A Compilation of Soil, Vegetation, Elevation and Bathymetry Attributes in San Pablo Bay Comparing Marsh Restorations using Beneficial Reuse of Dredged Material to Naturally Accreting Restorations, 2023-2025

This dataset includes measurements of physical and biological parameters of two restored tidal wetlands that utilized beneficial reuse material (Hamilton Restoration, Sonoma Baylands), and compares their attributes to two wetlands that have been restored through natural tidal sediment accretion (Tolay, Carl’s Marsh) and one wetland that had never been diked (Pinkston Slough). Throughout...
By
Western Ecological Research Center (WERC)

Soil Properties of Tidal Marshes Across Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge, California Soil Properties of Tidal Marshes Across Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge, California

Soil cores were collected across the marshes of Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge in California to assess belowground properties and for radioisotope dating. Data from the soil cores include dry bulk density, organic matter proportion, carbon, and accretion rates. These data were then used to calibrate a wetland model (WARMER3) to assess future elevation and...
By
Western Ecological Research Center (WERC)

North American dataset of ecosystem properties in tidal saline wetlands—Canopy height, aboveground biomass, productivity, soil carbon density, and soil carbon accumulation North American dataset of ecosystem properties in tidal saline wetlands—Canopy height, aboveground biomass, productivity, soil carbon density, and soil carbon accumulation

This dataset includes literature-derived ecological data from tidal saline wetlands across the United States, Canada, and Mexico for the following ecosystem properties: canopy height, aboveground biomass, productivity, soil carbon density, and soil carbon accumulation rates.
By
Wetland and Aquatic Research Center

Sediment core radioisotope measurements in coastal wetlands along the Chesapeake Bay Sediment core radioisotope measurements in coastal wetlands along the Chesapeake Bay

Data shows radioisotope measurements (Pb-210 and Cs-137) of sediment cores from four coastal wetlands along the Chesapeake Bay (one core from each site). Cores were sectioned every 1-2 cm depth.
By
Chesapeake Bay Activities, Eastern Ecological Science Center

Waterfowl Brood Drone Surveys from Suisun, California 2019 Waterfowl Brood Drone Surveys from Suisun, California 2019

Effective waterfowl management relies on the collection of relevant demographic data to inform land management decisions; however, some types of data are difficult to obtain. For waterfowl, brood surveys are difficult to conduct because wetland habitats often obscure ducklings from being visually assessed. Here, we used Unoccupied Aerial Systems (UAS) to assess what wetland habitat...
By
Western Ecological Research Center (WERC)

Soil Characteristics and Accretion Rates in Mangrove Forests across Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia Soil Characteristics and Accretion Rates in Mangrove Forests across Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia

Soil cores were collected in mangrove forests across Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia to understand spatial variation in accretion rates. Cores were dated using lead-210 and processed for bulk density and organic matter percent through loss-on-ignition analysis. A total of 30 cores were successfully dated across seven regions around the island.
By
Western Ecological Research Center (WERC)

When and where could rising seas cross thresholds for initiating wetland drowning across conterminous United States? When and where could rising seas cross thresholds for initiating wetland drowning across conterminous United States?

Recent data syntheses have clarified future relative sea-level rise exposure and sensitivity thresholds for drowning. We integrated these advances to estimate when and where rising sea levels could cross thresholds for initiating wetland drowning across the conterminous United States. We evaluated three sea-level rise thresholds for wetland drowning (4, 7, and 10 mm/yr). Our study area...
By
Ecosystems Land Change Science Program, Chesapeake Bay Activities, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center

Marsh Vegetation Surveys Across the San Francisco Bay Estuary, 2008-2018 Marsh Vegetation Surveys Across the San Francisco Bay Estuary, 2008-2018

Fifty-one tidal marsh sites across five regions (sub-embayments) were surveyed in the Delta, Suisun Bay, San Pablo Bay, central San Francisco Bay, and South San Francisco Bay. Vegetation surveys spanned ten years, from July 2008 to January 2018. A total of 5,112 plots were surveyed. Plots were positioned on transects along an elevation gradient and evenly distributed across each site...
By
Western Ecological Research Center (WERC)

Data Describing Site Characteristics Including Conifer Regeneration Following the 2018 Carr Fire in Whiskeytown National Recreation Area Data Describing Site Characteristics Including Conifer Regeneration Following the 2018 Carr Fire in Whiskeytown National Recreation Area

This dataset provides seedling density and site characteristics for 131 plots in Whiskeytown National Recreation Area in California, USA. Site characteristics include modeled seed availability and terrain indices calculated using a 1 meter resolution digital elevation model (DEM).
By
Western Ecological Research Center (WERC)

Elevation and Mangrove Cover Projections under Sea-Level Rise Scenarios at J.N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge, Sanibel Island, Florida, 2020-2100 Elevation and Mangrove Cover Projections under Sea-Level Rise Scenarios at J.N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge, Sanibel Island, Florida, 2020-2100

Elevation projections from the WARMER-Mangroves model for J N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge across a range of sea-level rise scenarios (53, 115, and 183 cm by 2100). The model was calibrated using dated soil cores sampled from the basin hydrologic zone. These data support the following publication: Buffington, K.J., Thorne, K.M., Krauss, K.W., Conrad, J.K., Drexler, J.Z., and...
By
Western Ecological Research Center (WERC)

Bias-Corrected Topobathymetric Elevation Model for South Florida, 2018 Bias-Corrected Topobathymetric Elevation Model for South Florida, 2018

Accurate elevation data in coastal ecosystems are crucial for understanding vulnerability to sea-level rise. Lidar has become increasingly available; however, in tidal wetlands such as mangroves and salt marsh, vertical bias from dense vegetation reduces accuracy of the delivered 'base earth' products. To increase accuracy of elevation models across south Florida, we applied the LEAN...
By
Western Ecological Research Center (WERC)

Salt marsh monitoring during water years 2013 to 2019, Humboldt Bay, CA – water levels, surface deposition, elevation change, and carbon storage Salt marsh monitoring during water years 2013 to 2019, Humboldt Bay, CA – water levels, surface deposition, elevation change, and carbon storage

This data release includes montorting data collected by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Humboldt Bay Water Quality and Salt Marsh Monitoring Project. The datasets include continuous water levels collected at a 6-minute timestep collected in two study marshes (Mad River and Hookton). Surface deposition, elevation changes and carbon storage (in marsh edge environments) measured in five...
By
California Water Science Center
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Ecological thresholds and transformations due to climate change: The role of abiotic stress Ecological thresholds and transformations due to climate change: The role of abiotic stress

An ecological threshold is the point at which a comparatively small environmental change triggers an abrupt and disproportionately large ecological response. In the face of accelerating climate change, there is concern that abrupt ecosystem transformations will become more widespread as critical ecological thresholds are crossed. There has been ongoing debate, however, regarding the...
Authors
Michael Osland, John B. Bradford, Lauren Toth, Matthew J. Germino, James Grace, Judith Z. Drexler, Camille Stagg, Eric E. Grossman, Karen M. Thorne, Stephanie Romanach, Davina Passeri, Gregory Noe, Jessica R. Lacy, Ken Krauss, Kurt P. Kowalski, Glenn R. Guntenspergen, Neil K. Ganju, Nicholas Enwright, Joel A. Carr, Kristin B. Byrd, Kevin Buffington
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, California Water Science Center, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center, Southwest Biological Science Center, St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center, Western Ecological Research Center (WERC), Western Geographic Science Center, Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center , Florence Bascom Geoscience Center, Eastern Ecological Science Center

Nature-based solutions could offset coastal squeeze of tidal wetlands from sea-level rise on the U.S. Pacific coast Nature-based solutions could offset coastal squeeze of tidal wetlands from sea-level rise on the U.S. Pacific coast

In this study, we explored the opportunities for tidal wetland landward migration in response to sea-level rise on the Pacific Coast of the United States. By employing a systematic spatial approach, we quantified the available space for wetland migration with sea-level rise across 61 estuarine drainage areas. Although many of the existing tidal wetlands are small patches, our analyses...
Authors
Karen M. Thorne, Kevin Buffington, Michael Osland, Bogdan Chivoiu, James Grace, Nicholas Enwright, Glenn R. Guntenspergen
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Western Ecological Research Center (WERC)

Surveying waterfowl broods in wetlands using aerial drones Surveying waterfowl broods in wetlands using aerial drones

Effective waterfowl management relies on the collection of relevant demographic data to inform land management decisions; however, some types of data are difficult to obtain. For waterfowl, brood surveys are difficult to conduct because wetland habitats often obscure ducklings from being visually assessed. Here, we used Unoccupied Aerial Systems (UAS) to assess what wetland habitat...
Authors
Desmond Alexander Mackell, Michael L. Casazza, Cory T. Overton, Kevin Buffington, Chase M. Freeman, Josh T. Ackerman, Karen M. Thorne
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Western Ecological Research Center (WERC)

Projecting mangrove forest resilience to sea-level rise on a Pacific Island: Species dynamics and ecological thresholds Projecting mangrove forest resilience to sea-level rise on a Pacific Island: Species dynamics and ecological thresholds

Mangroves can increase their elevation relative to tidal flooding through biogeomorphic feedbacks but can submerge if rates of sea-level rise are too great. There is an urgent need to understand the vulnerability of mangroves to sea-level rise so local communities and resource managers can implement and prioritize actions. The need is especially pressing for small islands, which have...
Authors
Kevin Buffington, Joel A. Carr, Richard Mackenzie, Maybeleen Apwong, Ken Krauss, Karen M. Thorne
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Western Ecological Research Center (WERC), Wetland and Aquatic Research Center , Eastern Ecological Science Center

Learning from a high-severity fire event—Conditions following the 2018 Carr Fire at Whiskeytown National Recreation Area Learning from a high-severity fire event—Conditions following the 2018 Carr Fire at Whiskeytown National Recreation Area

The 2018 Carr Fire burned more than 90 percent of Whiskeytown National Recreation Area, with much of the park burning at high severity. California yellow pine and mixed conifer forests are not well adapted to large, high-severity fires, and forest recovery after these events may be problematic. Large, high-severity fire patches pose difficulties for recruitment with interiors that are...
Authors
Phillip J. van Mantgem, Micah C. Wright, Karen M. Thorne, Jill Beckmann, Kevin Buffington, Lyndsay L. Rankin, Audrey Colley, Eamon A. Engber
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Western Ecological Research Center (WERC)

Rising seas could cross thresholds for initiating coastal wetland drowning within decades across much of the United States Rising seas could cross thresholds for initiating coastal wetland drowning within decades across much of the United States

Accelerated sea-level rise is an existential threat to coastal wetlands, but the timing and extent of wetland drowning are debated. Recent data syntheses have clarified future relative sea-level rise exposure and sensitivity thresholds for drowning. Here, we integrate these advances to estimate when and where rising sea levels could cross thresholds for initiating wetland drowning across...
Authors
Michael Osland, Bogdan Chivoiu, James Grace, Nicholas Enwright, Glenn R. Guntenspergen, Kevin Buffington, Karen M. Thorne, Joel A. Carr, William V. Sweet, Brady Couvillion
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Ecosystems Land Change Science Program, Chesapeake Bay Activities, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center

Application of lidar to assess the habitat selection of an endangered small mammal in an estuarine wetland environment Application of lidar to assess the habitat selection of an endangered small mammal in an estuarine wetland environment

Light detection and ranging (lidar) has emerged as a valuable tool for examining the fine-scale characteristics of vegetation. However, lidar is rarely used to examine coastal wetland vegetation or the habitat selection of small mammals. Extensive anthropogenic modification has threatened the endemic species in the estuarine wetlands of the California coast, such as the endangered salt...
Authors
J.S. Hagani, J.Y. Takekawa, S.M. Skalos, Michael L. Casazza, M.K. Riley, S.A. Estrella, L. Barthman-Thompson, K.R. Smith, Kevin Buffington, Karen M. Thorne
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Western Ecological Research Center (WERC)

Stress gradients structure spatial variability in coastal tidal marsh plant composition and diversity in a major Pacific coast estuary Stress gradients structure spatial variability in coastal tidal marsh plant composition and diversity in a major Pacific coast estuary

Understanding the drivers of variability in plant diversity from local to landscape spatial scales is a challenge in ecological systems. Environmental gradients exist at several spatial scales and can be nested hierarchically, influencing patterns of plant diversity in complex ways. As plant community dynamics influence ecosystem function, understanding the drivers of plant community...
Authors
Lyndsay L. Rankin, Scott F. Jones, Christopher N. Janousek, Kevin Buffington, John Takekawa, Karen M. Thorne
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Ecosystems Land Change Science Program, Western Ecological Research Center (WERC)

Spatially explicit models of seed availability improve predictions of conifer regeneration following the 2018 Carr Fire in northern California Spatially explicit models of seed availability improve predictions of conifer regeneration following the 2018 Carr Fire in northern California

For many conifer species in dry conifer forests of North America, seeds must be present for postfire regeneration to occur, suggesting that seed dispersal from surviving trees plays a critical role in postfire forest recovery. However, the application of tree fecundity and spatial arrangement to postfire conifer recovery predictions have only recently become more common, and is often...
Authors
Micah C. Wright, Phillip J. van Mantgem, Kevin Buffington, Karen M. Thorne, Eamon Engber, Sean Smith
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Western Ecological Research Center (WERC)

Mangrove habitat persistence and carbon vulnerability associated with increased nutrient loading and sea-level rise at Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge (Sanibel Island, Florida, USA) Mangrove habitat persistence and carbon vulnerability associated with increased nutrient loading and sea-level rise at Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge (Sanibel Island, Florida, USA)

J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge (DDNWR) is located on Sanibel Island along the southwestern coast of Florida, USA. Sanibel Island is heavily developed, but DDNWR provides protection for a large mangrove area that supports biodiversity and recreational opportunity. However, nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) eutrophication attributed to agriculture discharge along the...
Authors
Ken Krauss, Jeremy R. Conrad, Jamie A. Duberstein, Eric Ward, Judith Z. Drexler, Kevin Buffington, Karen M. Thorne, Brian W. Benscoter, Haley Miller, Natalie T. Faron, Sergio Merino, Andrew From, Elitsa I. Peneva-Reed, Zhiliang Zhu
By
Water Resources Mission Area, Ecosystems Mission Area, California Water Science Center, Western Ecological Research Center (WERC), Wetland and Aquatic Research Center

Future marsh evolution due to tidal changes induced by human adaptation to sea level rise Future marsh evolution due to tidal changes induced by human adaptation to sea level rise

With sea level rise threatening coastal development, decision-makers are beginning to act by modifying shorelines. Previous research has shown that hardening or softening shorelines may change the tidal range under future sea level rise. Tidal range can also be changed by natural factors. Coastal marshes, which humans increasingly depend on for shoreline protection, are ecologically...
Authors
Celina Balderas-Guzman, Kevin Buffington, Karen M. Thorne, Glenn R. Guntenspergen, Michelle A. Hummel, Mark T. Stacey
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Eastern Ecological Science Center

Phenotypic trait differences between Iris pseudacorus in native and introduced ranges support greater capacity of invasive populations to withstand sea level rise Phenotypic trait differences between Iris pseudacorus in native and introduced ranges support greater capacity of invasive populations to withstand sea level rise

AimTidal wetlands are greatly impacted by climate change, and by the invasion of alien plant species that are being exposed to salinity changes and longer inundation periods resulting from sea level rise. To explore the capacity for the invasion of Iris pseudacorus to persist with sea level rise, we initiated an intercontinental study along estuarine gradients in the invaded North...
Authors
Brenda J. Grewell, Blanca Gallego-Tévar, Gael Bárcenas-Moreno, Christine R. Whitcraft, Karen M. Thorne, Kevin Buffington, Jesus M. Castillo
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Western Ecological Research Center (WERC)
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