We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Investigating Rainstorm Disturbance on Suspended Substance in Coastal Coral Reef Water Based on MODIS Imagery and Field Measurements
Summary
This study used satellite imagery to investigate how a tropical storm affected suspended particles in a coastal coral reef area in southern China, finding that the storm significantly increased turbidity and likely stressed the coral ecosystem. The research demonstrates how extreme weather events interact with coastal marine environments, with implications for how climate change may affect reef health.
From July 11-12, 2009, the tropical storm Soudeler swept the study area with a Level 8 wind and disturbed the suspended substance in this coastal area, which may have caused some fatal impact on the health condition of coral reef in Xuwen coral reef coast located in Leizhou Peninsula of South China. In order to evaluate the impact of extreme weather on coral reef, this study applied and validated a TSS model to map the TSS variation based on red and infrared spectral bands of MODIS data through one before-storm and two after-storm images after applying the atmospheric correction of in-water linear regression analysis. By mapping and comparing the changes of TSS values before- and after- tropical storm, this study found substantial increases of TSS concentrations as a mean value of 47.8 mg/L (~3.6 times of mean TSS value before rainstorm) in the area during the passage of tropical storm compared to those under no-storm condition. Besides, the TSS returned back to even lower values five days after the passage of tropical storm as a mean value of 3.6mg/L (~one quarter of mean TSS value (13.4 mg/L) before rainstorm). The conclusion was made that the TSS concentration in estuary and coastal areas under local rainstorm tends to return to a normal level faster (approximately 2.5 days) than under a hurricane [1] or tropical storm as discovered in this study (approximately 5 days). Compared to the less frequent and non-synoptic in-situ field sampling approach, the synoptic and frequent sampling facilitated by frequent remote sensing imagery of MODIS provides an improved assessment of TSS concentration and two-dimensional distribution patterns and is recommended to be used as a valuable tool for frequently monitoring coral reef water quality in coastal water bodies of China and other areas in the world if applicable.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Composition and concentration of suspended matter in the Zhongsha Great Atoll, South China Sea, before and during the summer monsoon
Researchers measured temperature, salinity, and suspended matter concentration in the Zhongsha Great Atoll of the South China Sea during spring-summer monsoon transition and summer monsoon outbreak periods, characterising the composition, spatial distribution, and carbon-cycle role of suspended particulate matter.
Microplastic pollution in tropical coral reef ecosystems from the coastal South China Sea and their impacts on corals in situ
Researchers studied microplastic contamination in coral reef ecosystems off southern China, finding plastic particles in seawater, sediment, corals, shellfish, and fish. Different coral species absorbed microplastics at different rates, with smaller particles penetrating deeper into coral tissue. Since coral reefs support fisheries and coastal communities, this contamination could affect both marine ecosystems and the seafood that people eat.
The Impact of Typhoon “Mangkhut” on Surface Water Nutrient and Chlorophyll Inventories of the South China Sea in September 2018
This study analyzed how Typhoon Mangkhut altered nutrient distribution and primary productivity in the northern South China Sea in 2018, finding significant increases in nitrate and phosphate in shelf waters driven by storm-induced mixing. Typhoons can also redistribute surface plastic debris, making extreme weather events important to consider in models of marine plastic transport.
Microplastic occurrence in the northern South China Sea, A case for Pre and Post cyclone analysis
Researchers analyzed microplastic contamination in the northern South China Sea before and after a cyclone, finding that the storm event significantly altered microplastic distribution patterns in both coastal seawater and sediments.
Microplastic Variations in Land-Based Sources of Coastal Water Affected by Tropical Typhoon Events in Zhanjiang Bay, China
Researchers analyzed the abundance, composition, diversity, and flux of microplastics from three estuaries and one sewage outlet in Zhanjiang Bay, China, before and after tropical typhoon events, finding a 3.6-fold increase in microplastic abundance from land-based sources following typhoons. The study links increased stormwater discharge during typhoons to elevated microplastic loading in coastal waters, highlighting how climate-driven extreme weather amplifies plastic pollution.