Effects of Rising Sea-Levels on Coastal Marsh Migration and Carbon Sequestration Along the Georgia Coast 公开

Abstract

Climate change and resulting sea-level rise pose an enormous threat to coastal wetlands via increased inundation and erosion. Any coastal wetland loss is critical because of their role in climate change mitigation as they serve as a highly productive carbon sink. Using elevation data, sea-level rise modeling, and existing carbon stock data, this paper explores the extent of habitat loss and subsequent loss in carbon storage on the Georgia coast under three sea-level rise scenarios. This analysis found that critical coastal habitats, freshwater forests, freshwater emergent wetlands, and salt marshes, all saw significant area loss under all three scenarios, while less productive habitats expanded. Carbon storage also decreased significantly as a result of habitat loss. This information is crucial in evaluating coastal protection policy and mitigating damages caused by rising sea-levels.

Table of Contents

Introduction…………………………………………………………….……………….………....1

Methods………………………………………………………………………..………..…………6

Results………………………………………………………………………………….….……..15

Discussion………..………………………………………………………………………….…...21

References……….……………………………………………………………………………….30

Appendix……………………………………………………………………………………..…..36

About this Honors Thesis

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School	Emory College
Department	Environmental Studies
Degree	B.S.
Submission	Honors Thesis
Language	English
Research Field	Environmental Sciences Climate Change
关键词	Climate Change Carbon Salt Marsh
Committee Chair / Thesis Advisor	Carolyn Keogh, Emory University
Committee Members	Debjani Sihi, Emory University Talea Mayo, Emory University

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