University of Tasmania
Browse

File(s) under permanent embargo

Vulnerability of mangroves and tidal wetlands of the Great Barrier Reef to climate change

chapter
posted on 2023-05-22, 20:52 authored by Lovelock, CE, Joanna EllisonJoanna Ellison
Climate change will have an enormous influence on the intertidal wetlands of the Great Barrier Reef (GBR). Increases in atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) concentrations and associated increases in air and sea temperatures, rising sea level, changes in oceanic circulation, rainfall patterns and frequency and intensity of storms are highly likely to affect the physiology, ecology and ultimately the stability of wetland habitats (Table 9.1). The intertidal position of mangroves, salt marshes and salt flats makes them particularly vulnerable to changes in sea level, although other climate change factors will also exert a strong influence on wetland communities (Table 9.1). Past rises in sea level have led to increases in the area of mangroves in northern Australia186. However, past climate change has occurred with limited human modification of the coast compared to current levels of development. Human activities have resulted in loss of wetlands, disruption to connectivity, enhanced availability of nutrients, changed sediment dynamics and the creation of structures that will prevent landward migration of wetlands with sea level rise (eg roads, berms, bunds and sea walls). Many of these human impacts will reduce the resilience of intertidal wetlands to climate change. To conserve the intertidal wetlands of the GBR and the ecosystem services they provide, we will need to manage the coastal zone in a way that enhances the resilience of mangroves, salt marshes and salt flats during climate change.

History

Publication title

Climate Change and the Great Barrier Reef: a Vulnerability Assessment

Editors

JE Johnson, PA Marshall

Pagination

237-269

ISBN

9781876945619

Department/School

School of Geography, Planning and Spatial Sciences

Publisher

Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority and Australian Greenhouse Office

Place of publication

Australia

Extent

24

Repository Status

  • Restricted

Socio-economic Objectives

Measurement and assessment of estuarine water quality

Usage metrics

    University Of Tasmania

    Exports

    RefWorks
    BibTeX
    Ref. manager
    Endnote
    DataCite
    NLM
    DC