Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 29, 2026
12:26
Integrating Remote Sensing with Species Distribution Models; Mapping Tamarisk Invasions Using the Software for Assisted Habitat Modeling (SAHM)
Published on: October 11, 2016
Mapping disturbances in a mangrove forest using multi-date landsat TM imagery
J M Kovacs1, J Wang, M Blanco-Correa
1Department of Geography, Nipissing University, Ontario, Canada. johnmk@unipissing.ca
Environmental Management
|May 4, 2001
Summary
Mangrove forests in Mexico
Area of Science:
- Ecology
- Remote Sensing
- Environmental Science
Background:
- Mangrove ecosystems are vital coastal buffers.
- Human activities and environmental changes can impact mangrove health.
- Understanding mangrove dynamics is crucial for conservation.
Purpose of the Study:
- Assess mangrove forest changes in the Teacapán-Agua Brava lagoon system, Mexico.
- Evaluate the accuracy of local fishermen's accounts using satellite imagery.
- Identify potential causes of mangrove degradation.
Main Methods:
- Utilized Landsat TM satellite images from 1986, 1993, and 1999.
- Employed image differencing of a band 4/3 ratio to create a binary change mask.
- Analyzed aerial photographs from 1970 for historical comparison.
Main Results:
- By 1986, 18% of mangroves were dead or in poor condition, primarily in Agua Brava.
- Damage in Agua Brava aligns with fishermen's reports and the 1972 Cuautlá canal opening.
- Recent mangrove degradation observed in Teacapán (1999 data) and western Agua Brava.
Conclusions:
- The opening of the Cuautlá canal in 1972 may have initiated large-scale mangrove mortality.
- Recent mangrove changes are occurring in new areas, with causes yet to be determined.
- Potential factors for recent changes include hurricanes and canal expansions.
