Microphytobenthos spatio-temporal dynamics across an intertidal gradient in a tropical estuary using Sentinel-2
S Haro1, T Mucheye2, I Caballero3
1Department of Biology, Faculty of Marine and Environmental Sciences, University of Cádiz, Puerto Real 11510, Cádiz, Spain.
The Science of the Total Environment
|January 18, 2025
Summary
Microphytobenthos (MPB) dynamics in tropical estuaries are crucial for coastal productivity. This study used satellite imagery to monitor MPB in Costa Rica, finding seasonal variations and higher abundance in upper intertidal zones.
Area of Science:
- Coastal Ecology
- Marine Biology
- Remote Sensing
Background:
- Intertidal mudflats are highly productive ecosystems driven by microphytobenthos (MPB).
- MPB dynamics are well-studied in temperate zones but under-researched in tropical estuaries.
- Tropical estuaries, like the Nicoya Gulf, are vital but lack extensive MPB research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the spatio-temporal dynamics of MPB in a tropical estuary (Nicoya Gulf, Costa Rica).
- To assess MPB cover and growth rates using high-resolution satellite data.
- To understand factors influencing MPB distribution and seasonal variations.
Main Methods:
- Utilized Sentinel-2 satellite images (2018-2022) for 10m spatial resolution monitoring.
- Employed Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) to quantify MPB cover and growth rates (μNDVI).
- Applied Generalized Additive Models (GAM) to analyze spatio-temporal variability.
Main Results:
- MPB NDVI showed significant temporal variability, with peaks in the late wet/early dry seasons (November-December).
- Years and months explained up to 62% of the variation in average MPB NDVI.
- High dry season temperatures and irradiance may inhibit MPB growth, unlike temperate patterns.
- Higher MPB NDVI was observed in the upper intertidal zone, consistent with temperate estuaries.
Conclusions:
- High-resolution satellite imagery is effective for long-term MPB monitoring in tropical tidal flats.
- MPB dynamics in tropical estuaries exhibit unique seasonal patterns influenced by temperature and irradiance.
- This research provides a tool for estimating crucial ecosystem services of intertidal MPB globally.
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