W&M > VIMS > CCRM > Research > Nearshore Ecology > Climate Change

Climate Change - Upper Mattaponi River - Tidal Fresh (MPNTF)

upper mattaponi river tidal fresh

CURRENT COASTAL HABITAT COMPOSITION

  5.1 km² - Tidal Marsh
  1.9 km² - Submerged Aquatic Vegetation
  3.5 km² - Shallow Water
  0.2 km  - Beaches

The Upper Mattaponi River is located in King & Queen and King William Counties and extends from Courthouse Landing to Aylett. Much of the shoreline is undeveloped (22% developed riparian lands and 3% hardened shoreline). Both counties have low average annual rates of permitted shoreline hardening ranging from 0.1-0.2 km/yr (0.04% of the shoreline).


COASTAL HABITATS SHIFTS WITH CLIMATE CHANGE

  • Shallow-Water and Tidal Wetlands - depiction of existing tidal wetland (vegetated & non-vegetated) and shallow-water habitat, with projected shifts due to sea level rise

  • Tidal Marsh Vulnerability - depiction of existing tidal marsh and vulnerability to inundation from projected sea level rise within 50-100 years. Marshes classified at low risk represent potential wetland preservation opportunities

  • Submerged Aquatic Vegetation - depiction of existing submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) and projected shifts due to sea level rise and elevated temperatures

  • Estuarine Beach Vulnerability - depiction of existing estuarine beach and vulnerability to inundation from projected sea level rise within 50-100 years. Beaches classified at low risk represent potential habitat preservation opportunities

 

Link to map information and data sources