Center for Coastal Resources Management

Climate Change - Middle Potomac River - Mesohaline (POTOH)

CURRENT COASTAL HABITAT COMPOSITION

   8.0 km² - Tidal Marsh
18.7 km² - Submerged Aquatic Vegetation
26.9 km² - Shallow Water
32.6 km  - Beaches

Virginia’s Middle Potomac River is located in King George, Stafford and Prince William Counties and extends approximately to Quantico Pier. Much of the shoreline is developed (35% developed riparian lands and 23% hardened shoreline). All counties have moderate average annual rates of permitted shoreline hardening ranging from 0.2-0.4 km/yr (0.2% 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