Center for Coastal Resources Management

Climate Change - Upper Potomac River - Tidal Fresh (POTTF)

CURRENT COASTAL HABITAT COMPOSITION

    7.9 km² - Tidal Marsh
  30.0 km² - Submerged Aquatic Vegetation
  43.8 km² - Shallow Water
 No Data  - Beaches

Virginia’s Upper Tidal Potomac River is located in Fairfax, Prince William and Arlington counties and the City of Alexandria, a highly developed region. To date, shoreline inventories have not been completed in these counties. Counties have moderate-high average annual rates of permitted shoreline hardening ranging from 0.1-0.3 km/yr (0.2-3.0% 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

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

Link to map information and data sources