Sigma Xi Poster Competition
A Geospatial Analysis of the Extent and Distribution of Mangroves in Southern Florida Using Google Earth Engine
Academic Level at Time of Presentation
Junior
Major
Geography and GIS
List all Project Mentors & Advisor(s)
Haluk Cetin
Presentation Format
Poster Presentation
Abstract/Description
Today, our planet is facing a major climate crisis. With the continuous loss of species and biodiversity around the globe, it is crucial to understand and protect the systems that are left before they are gone. Mangroves are a keystone species to combating climate change and are in significant danger. They are both important species and ecosystems that provide habitats for both terrestrial and aquatic life, aid with coastal protection and land degradation as well as being one the key species that participate in the sequestration of carbon from our atmosphere. Mangroves are characterized in their uniqueness by their region, location, and environment. Today, we have lost nearly half of our mangrove species around the world. This has been caused by both climate-related sea level rise, damaging storms, and human impacts related to urban development and removal. This study examined the changes in the extent and distribution of mangroves in Southern Florida over the past 20 years using Google Earth Engine (GEE). Datasets used for this study were collected from the USGS, NASA, and Google to examine the changes in mangrove systems. The data were then used inside of GEE to display the mangrove coverage in Southern Florida from 2001 to 2022 with the addition of the extent of urban development. From this, a timelapse map was created to display the results. Upon analysis, it was found that urban development did increase in Florida while the distribution of mangroves has experienced a northward expansion into the state. The goal for this study was to apply GEE to study environmental threats and to provide a better understanding on the current condition of Florida’s mangroves.
Spring Scholars Week 2023 Event
Sigma Xi Poster Competition
A Geospatial Analysis of the Extent and Distribution of Mangroves in Southern Florida Using Google Earth Engine
Today, our planet is facing a major climate crisis. With the continuous loss of species and biodiversity around the globe, it is crucial to understand and protect the systems that are left before they are gone. Mangroves are a keystone species to combating climate change and are in significant danger. They are both important species and ecosystems that provide habitats for both terrestrial and aquatic life, aid with coastal protection and land degradation as well as being one the key species that participate in the sequestration of carbon from our atmosphere. Mangroves are characterized in their uniqueness by their region, location, and environment. Today, we have lost nearly half of our mangrove species around the world. This has been caused by both climate-related sea level rise, damaging storms, and human impacts related to urban development and removal. This study examined the changes in the extent and distribution of mangroves in Southern Florida over the past 20 years using Google Earth Engine (GEE). Datasets used for this study were collected from the USGS, NASA, and Google to examine the changes in mangrove systems. The data were then used inside of GEE to display the mangrove coverage in Southern Florida from 2001 to 2022 with the addition of the extent of urban development. From this, a timelapse map was created to display the results. Upon analysis, it was found that urban development did increase in Florida while the distribution of mangroves has experienced a northward expansion into the state. The goal for this study was to apply GEE to study environmental threats and to provide a better understanding on the current condition of Florida’s mangroves.