Center for Coastal Resources Management

Climate Change - Lower Potomac River - Mesohaline (POTMH)

CURRENT COASTAL HABITAT COMPOSITION

 19.1 km² - Tidal Marsh
    3.7 km² - Submerged Aquatic Vegetation
  63.6 km² - Shallow Water
103.2 km  - Beaches

Virginia’s Lower Potomac River is located in Northumberland, Westmoreland and King George counties, and extends from the mouth of the river to Popes Creek. Much of the shoreline is developed (43% developed riparian lands and 17% hardened shoreline). All counties have moderate-high average annual rates of permitted shoreline hardening ranging from 0.4-5.0 km/yr (0.4-0.7% 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

• 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

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

• Vulnerable Developed Lands - depiction of existing developed lands and vulnerability to inundation from projected sea level rise

Link to map information and data sources