Sea-level rise is expected to outpace the capacity of coral reefs to grow and maintain their wave protection function, exacerbating coastal flooding and erosion. This study presents a new method for measuring contemporary reef accretion on a Maldivian atoll reef rim, showing growth rates that could keep pace with current sea-level rise if maintained. Findings highlight the need to resolve contemporary reef accretion at the critical wave dissipation zone to improve predictions of future reef growth and re-evaluate coastal hazard exposure.
Publisher
Communications Earth & Environment
Published On
Jan 11, 2022
Authors
Paul S. Kench, Edward P. Beetham, Tracey Turner, Kyle M. Morgan, Susan D. Owen, Roger F. McLean
Tags
sea-level rise
coral reef
coastal flooding
accretion
Maldives
wave dissipation
coastal hazards
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