|
Climate Change - Lower Rappahannock River - Mesohaline (RPPMH)
CURRENT COASTAL HABITAT COMPOSITION
36.6 km² - Tidal Marsh
4.5 km² - Submerged Aquatic Vegetation
84.4 km² - Shallow Water
140.4 km - Beaches
The Lower Rappahannock River is located in Middlesex, Lancaster, Richmond, and Essex Counties and extends from the mouth to approximately Jenkins Landings. Much of the riparian lands are undeveloped (22% developed and 4% agriculture riparian lands), however approximately 12% of the shoreline has been armored. All counties have moderate-high average annual rates of permitted shoreline hardening ranging from 0.3-3.5 km/yr (0.1-0.8% 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 |
|
