Earth Science News
WOOD PILE
Drowning mangroves in Maldives signal global coastal risk
illustration only
Drowning mangroves in Maldives signal global coastal risk
by Sophie Jenkins
London, UK (SPX) Nov 13, 2024

Mangrove forests in the Maldives are facing a severe threat as they succumb to rising sea levels and climate changes, according to a new study led by Northumbria University researchers and published in *Scientific Reports*.

The study highlights that the Maldives, known for its low-lying islands, experienced significant mangrove dieback since 2020 due to rapid sea-level rise and the effects of the Indian Ocean Dipole. This phenomenon resulted in a loss of more than half of mangrove coverage on some islands.

Between 2017 and 2020, sea levels in the Maldives rose by over 30mm annually, significantly outpacing the natural sediment accumulation rate of mangroves. The most severe dieback was observed following the Indian Ocean Dipole's intense phase, which elevated sea levels and temperatures in the Western Indian Ocean.

Research revealed that mangrove roots were increasingly stressed by heightened salinity levels, leading to tree death. Satellite imagery confirmed that mangroves on both inhabited and remote islands experienced extensive damage. The natural sediment-building process was overwhelmed, preventing the trees from staying above water as seawater flooded their environment.

Dr. Vasile Ersek from Northumbria University commented, "Dieback was first observed in the central, low-lying basin areas before expanding outwards. Limited tidal flushing allowed the rising sea to inundate forests, increasing soil salinity beyond what even salt-tolerant mangroves could withstand."

The findings underscore the broader implications for global coastal ecosystems. Mangroves act as natural shields against storms and flooding and are crucial for biodiversity, serving as nurseries for marine life and supporting food security and local economies. Additionally, they are significant carbon sinks, storing three to five times more carbon per area than tropical rainforests. Losses of these forests risk releasing stored carbon, potentially accelerating climate change.

Lucy Carruthers, who led the project during her tenure at Northumbria and now works at East Carolina University, noted, "Sea level in the region peaked in 2020, coinciding with an extreme Indian Ocean Dipole phase. With ongoing global warming, such events are likely to increase, making mangrove die-offs more frequent."

The study's findings align with reports of similar die-offs in Seychelles and Madagascar during the same period. Carruthers stressed, "Our work emphasizes the vulnerability of mangrove ecosystems to rapid sea-level rise. This isn't just a regional issue; it serves as a warning for coastal zones worldwide. The Maldives' experience may be a harbinger of wider environmental challenges."

The researchers advocate for urgent conservation and adaptive strategies for small island nations to help mitigate these risks.

Research Report:Sea-level rise and extreme Indian Ocean Dipole explain mangrove dieback in the Maldives

Related Links
Northumbria University
Forestry News - Global and Local News, Science and Application

Subscribe Free To Our Daily Newsletters
Tweet

RELATED CONTENT
The following news reports may link to other Space Media Network websites.
WOOD PILE
Brazilian Indigenous leader warns world on Amazon's fate
Sao Paulo (AFP) Nov 11, 2024
As the COP29 climate talks started Monday in Azerbaijan, an Indigenous leader half a world away is literally towering over Brazil with a warning about the fate of the Amazon rainforest. "Stop the Destruction," orders - in English - a giant-sized mural of Alessandra Korap Munduruku painted on the side of a building in Sao Paulo, with the tag #keepyourpromise. The 30-meter high, 48-meter wide (100-foot by 160-foot) work by Brazilian street artist Mundano highlights the deforestation of the Amazo ... read more

WOOD PILE
Climate crisis worsening already 'hellish' refugee situation: UN

Spain PM accused of 'blackmail' by tying budget to flood aid; Royals return to flood zone

COP29: Climate disaster fund for poor countries 'ready'

Fukushima nuclear debris arrives at lab after secret journey

WOOD PILE
New AI microbiome tool offers breakthroughs in forensics and epidemiology

NASA to transform in-space manufacturing with laser beam welding collaboration

Startup turns mining waste into critical metals for the U.S.

A smart screen for cooling and sun protection

WOOD PILE
Drinking water outage hits half of France's Mayotte

Will living by the sea remain viable?

US hopes river pact with Mexico will reduce water scarcity

Curtin and NASA unlock ocean secrets from space

WOOD PILE
Measurements from Lost Seaglider reveal impact of warm ocean water on Antarctic ice

Deep ocean study offers new insights into ancient ice age shift

Was Snowball Earth truly a global event? new study provides strongest evidence yet

First Antarctic amber discovery opens new window to ancient climate

WOOD PILE
Economic woes sour prospects for China's dairy farmers

White truffles, Italy's gold, menaced by climate change

More than 33 million Nigerians face hunger next year: report

Scientists harvest nutrient-rich rice grown in space

WOOD PILE
Schools shut as flood-hit Spain braces for more torrential rain

Fifth storm in under a month bears down on Philippines

Airlines around Asia ground Bali flights after volcano erupts

Evacuations, call for aid as Typhoon Usagi approaches Philippines

WOOD PILE
What Trump's re-election could mean for Africa

Senegal grapples with floods, economy ahead of parliamentary elections

Mali detains CEO of gold mining firm Resolute

Burkina army launches probe after mutilation video leak

WOOD PILE
Location of ancient ochre mine found in Eswatini

Chimpanzees show improved performance on difficult computer tasks with an audience

New findings on Denisovans reveal their role in shaping early human genetics

Human culture's distinctiveness lies in its open-ended nature

Subscribe Free To Our Daily Newsletters




The content herein, unless otherwise known to be public domain, are Copyright 1995-2024 - Space Media Network. All websites are published in Australia and are solely subject to Australian law and governed by Fair Use principals for news reporting and research purposes. AFP, UPI and IANS news wire stories are copyright Agence France-Presse, United Press International and Indo-Asia News Service. ESA news reports are copyright European Space Agency. All NASA sourced material is public domain. Additional copyrights may apply in whole or part to other bona fide parties. All articles labeled "by Staff Writers" include reports supplied to Space Media Network by industry news wires, PR agencies, corporate press officers and the like. Such articles are individually curated and edited by Space Media Network staff on the basis of the report's information value to our industry and professional readership. Advertising does not imply endorsement, agreement or approval of any opinions, statements or information provided by Space Media Network on any Web page published or hosted by Space Media Network. General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) Statement Our advertisers use various cookies and the like to deliver the best ad banner available at one time. All network advertising suppliers have GDPR policies (Legitimate Interest) that conform with EU regulations for data collection. By using our websites you consent to cookie based advertising. If you do not agree with this then you must stop using the websites from May 25, 2018. Privacy Statement. Additional information can be found here at About Us.