Skip to main content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

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

link
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
Wetland and Aquatic Research Center
link

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
link
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
Western Ecological Research Center (WERC)
link

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
link
USGS science for a changing world logo

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.
By
Climate Adaptation Science Centers, Climate Adaptation Science Center
link

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
link
USGS science for a changing world logo

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.
By
Climate Adaptation Science Centers, Climate Adaptation Science Center
link

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
link
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
Southwest Climate Science Center, Climate Adaptation Science Center
link

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

WARMER-2 Model Inputs and Projections for Three Tidal Wetland Sites Across San Francisco Bay Estuary

Understanding the rates and patterns of tidal wetland elevation changes relative to sea-level is essential for understanding the extent of potential wetland loss over the coming years. Using an enhanced and more flexible modeling framework of an ecosystem model (WARMER-2), we explored sea-level rise (SLR) impacts on wetland elevations and carbon sequestration rates through 2100 by considering plan
By
Western Ecological Research Center (WERC)

Mangrove Elevation and Species' Responses to Sea-level Rise Across Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia

Future sea-level rise poses a risk to mangrove forests. To better understand potential vulnerability, we developed a new numerical model of soil elevation for mangrove forests. We used the model to generate projections of elevation and mangrove forest composition change under four sea-level rise scenarios through 2100 (37, 52, 67, and 117 cm by 2100). We employed a data-driven modeling approach, u
By
Western Ecological Research Center (WERC)

Pacific Northwest tidal marsh plant biomass from a 2017 greenhouse experiment with flooding and salinity manipulations

The sensitivity of tidal marshes to environmental changes that result from sea-level rise or drought conditions is uncertain. We used a controlled greenhouse experiment and factorial flooding x salinity treatments to explore the differential responses of three tidal marsh plant species. Each species exhibited unique responses, with negative responses to increased salinity and longer flooding, but
By
Western Ecological Research Center (WERC)

Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia Mangrove Elevation Survey Data

U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) scientists conducted field work efforts during February 15-23, 2017 and April 10-25, 2019 in the mangrove forests of Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) with logistical assistance from the Micronesia Conservation Trust (MCT) and field assistance from the Conservation Society of Pohnpei and the Pohnpei Department of Forestry. The field team combined the surve
By
Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center

Field and simulated data to construct hypervolumes of coastal wetland plant states for resilience quantification, Louisiana, USA (2016-2017)

These datasets provide: 1) field-collected biomass and structural attributes for coastal salt marsh in the Port Fourchon area, Louisiana; 2) simulated biomass and structural attributes along flooding gradients using mixed model regression outputs; and 3) resilience metrics calculated using multivariate hypervolumes along with potential environmental covariates of resilience metrics.
By
Wetland and Aquatic Research Center

LEAN-Corrected Collier County DEM for wetlands

Lidar-derived digital elevation models often contain a vertical bias due to vegetation. In areas with tidal influence the amount of bias can be ecologically significant, for example, by decreasing the expected inundation frequency. We generated a corrected digital elevation model (DEM) for wetlands throughout Collier county using a modification of the Lidar Elevation Adjustment with NDVI (LEAN) te
By
Western Ecological Research Center (WERC)

LEAN-Corrected DEM for Suisun Marsh

Lidar-derived digital elevation models often contain a vertical bias due to vegetation. In areas with tidal influence the amount of bias can be ecologically significant, for example, by decreasing the expected inundation frequency. We generated a corrected digital elevation mode (DEM) for Suisun marsh using a modification of the Lidar Elevation Adjustment with NDVI (LEAN) technique (Buffington et
By
Western Ecological Research Center (WERC)

LEAN-corrected San Francisco Bay digital elevation model, 2018

Lidar-derived digital elevation models often contain a vertical bias due to vegetation. In areas with tidal influence the amount of bias can be ecologically significant, for example, by decreasing the expected inundation frequency. We generated a corrected digital elevation mode (DEM) for tidal marsh areas around San Francisco Bay using the Lidar Elevation Adjustment with NDVI (LEAN) technique (Bu
By
Ecosystems, Western Ecological Research Center (WERC)

Data for climate-related variation in plant peak biomass and growth phenology across Pacific Northwest tidal marshes

This data release is comprised of tidal marsh biomass data and spatial predictions of peak biomass and Julian day of peak biomass using data from the Landsat archive. Aboveground biomass dry weight of mixed-species plots (25x50 cm) at a tidal marsh in Willapa Bay, Washington were used to establish a relationship between biomass and tasseled cap greeness (TCG). The julian day of annual peak greenne
By
Western Ecological Research Center (WERC)

Decomposition of plant litter in Pacific coast tidal marshes, 2014-2015

Decomposition of plant matter is one of the key processes affecting carbon cycling and storage in tidal wetlands. In this study, we evaluated the effects of factors related to climate change (temperature, inundation) and vegetation composition on rates of litter decay in seven tidal marsh sites along the Pacific coast. In 2014 we conducted manipulative experiments to test inundation effects on lit
By
Western Ecological Research Center (WERC)
Filter Total Items: 23

Incorporation of uncertainty to improve projections of tidal wetland elevation and carbon accumulation with sea-level rise

Understanding the rates and patterns of tidal wetland elevation changes relative to sea-level is essential for understanding the extent of potential wetland loss over the coming years. Using an enhanced and more flexible modeling framework of an ecosystem model (WARMER-2), we explored sea-level rise (SLR) impacts on wetland elevations and carbon sequestration rates through 2100 by considering plan
By
Ecosystems, Western Ecological Research Center (WERC)

Climate change vulnerability assessment for the California coastal national monument—Trinidad and Point Arena-Stornetta units

Executive SummaryThe California Coastal National Monument protects islets, reefs, and rock outcropping habitats in six onshore units, including the Trinidad and Point Arena-Stornetta Units.The California Coastal National Monument provides crucial habitat for resident and migratory species of seabirds, marine mammals, and invertebrates, which includes several federally listed threatened and endange
By
Ecosystems, Western Ecological Research Center (WERC)

Sea-level rise vulnerability of mangrove forests on the Micronesian Island of Pohnpei

IntroductionThe mangrove forests across the Federated States of Micronesia provide critical resources and contribute to climate resilience. Locally, mangrove forests provide habitat for fish and wildlife, timber, and other cultural resources. Mangrove forests also protect Micronesian communities from tropical cyclones and tsunamis, providing a buffer against powerful waves and winds. Mangrove fore
By
Ecosystems, Western Ecological Research Center (WERC)

Wetlands in intermittently closed estuaries can build elevations to keep pace with sea-level rise

Sea-level rise is a threat to coastal ecosystems, which have important conservation and economic value. While marsh response to sea-level rise has been well characterized for perennially open estuaries, bar-built intermittently-closed estuaries and their sea-level rise response are seldom addressed in the literature – despite being common globally. We seek to advance the conceptual understanding o
By
Ecosystems, Western Ecological Research Center (WERC)

Mangrove species’ response to sea-level rise across Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia

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 acco
By
Ecosystems, Climate Research and Development Program, Land Change Science Program, Western Ecological Research Center (WERC)

Stress gradients interact with disturbance to reveal alternative states in salt marsh: Multivariate resilience at the landscape scale

Stress gradients influence many ecosystem processes and properties, including ecosystem recovery from and resistance to disturbance. While recent analytical approaches have advanced multivariate metrics of ecosystem resilience that allow quantification of conceptual resilience models and identification of thresholds of state change, these approaches are not often translated to landscape scales.Usi
By
Ecosystems, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center

Testing the interactive effects of flooding and salinity on tidal marsh plant productivity

Tidal wetlands support plant communities that facilitate carbon storage, accrete soil, and provide habitat for terrestrial and aquatic species. Climate change is likely to alter estuaries through sea-level rise and changing precipitation patterns, although the ecological responses are uncertain. We were interested in plant responses to physiological stress induced by elevated water salinity and fl
By
Ecosystems, Western Ecological Research Center (WERC)

Spatiotemporal patterns of mineral and organic matter deposition across two San Francisco Bay-Delta tidal marshes

Sediment deposition in tidal wetlands is a critical process that determines whether vertical growth will keep pace with sea-level rise. However, more information is needed on how sediment deposition varies spatially and temporally across wetlands, including the effects of elevation, tidal inundation, vegetation, and weather. We investigated variation in sediment deposition due to season, distance
By
Ecosystems, Climate Research and Development Program, Western Ecological Research Center (WERC)

Flooding regimes increase avian predation on wildlife prey in tidal marsh ecosystems

Within isolated and fragmented populations, species interactions such as predation can cause shifts in community structure and demographics in tidal marsh ecosystems. It is critical to incorporate species interactions into our understanding when evaluating the effects of sea‐level rise and storm surges on tidal marshes. In this study, we hypothesize that avian predators will increase their presenc
By
Ecosystems, Western Ecological Research Center (WERC)

Rising tides: Assessing habitat vulnerability for an endangered salt marsh-dependent species with sea-level rise

Salt marsh-dependent species are vulnerable to impacts of sea-level rise (SLR). Site-specific differences in ecogeomorphic processes result in different SLR vulnerabilities. SLR impacts to Ridgway’s rail (Rallus obsoletus) of Southern California (SC) and San Francisco Bay (SF), U.S.A. could foreshadow SLR effects on other coastal endemic species. Salt marsh vulnerabilities to SLR were forecasted a
By
Ecosystems, Western Ecological Research Center (WERC)

El Niño increases high‐tide flooding in tidal wetlands along the U.S. Pacific coast.

Periodic oscillations between El Niño and La Niña conditions in the Pacific Basin affect oceanographic and meteorological phenomena globally, with impacts on the abundance and distribution of marine species. However, El Niño effects on estuarine hydrology and tidal wetland processes have seldom been examined rigorously. We used detailed wetland elevation and local inundation data from 10 tidal wet
By
Ecosystems, Western Ecological Research Center (WERC)

Sea‐level rise, habitat loss, and potential extirpation of a salt marsh specialist bird in urbanized landscapes

Sea‐level rise (SLR) impacts on intertidal habitat depend on coastal topology, accretion, and constraints from surrounding development. Such habitat changes might affect species like Belding's savannah sparrows (Passerculus sandwichensis beldingi; BSSP), which live in high‐elevation salt marsh in the Southern California Bight. To predict how BSSP habitat might change under various SLR scenarios, w
By
Ecosystems, Western Ecological Research Center (WERC)

Science and Products