Habitat Mapping of Palmyra

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Abstract/Contents

Abstract: Habitat mapping combines IKONOS satellite imagery analysis with field data to accurately and effectively convey biological and physical patterns in ecosystems. The value of habitat mapping primarily results from its applications in monitoring, management, conservation, and research. Its utility has recently driven new demand for mapping. In fact, the newly established US Coral Reef Task Force (USCRTF) recently identified mapping of all US coral reefs as one of the highest priorities to protect these important ecosystems. This study used the established methods and mapped the benthic habitats of Palmyra Atoll in the Line Islands. The detailed habitat map revealed a complex and diverse ecosystem. The reefs surrounding the islands are relatively pristine and consist mainly of back reef and patch reef. Scattered coral head habitats also frequently appear in the surrounding reefs. The northern and southern sides of the atoll have extensive algal ridges with coral rubble flows shoreward. Within the lagoon, almost no live coral survives due to the effects of a causeway built in the 1940s. Overall, the reefs at Palmyra represent a diverse ecosystem with both healthy and destroyed habitats. Mapping the habitat of Palmyra is an important departure point for further research. With further studies to link species distribution to habitat type, a more complete description of species distribution will result to aid management and further research at Palmyra.

Type of resource	text
Date created	June 9, 2003

Author	Hopkins, Whitney P.

Subject	Stanford@SEA
Subject	S-187
Subject	Hopkins Marine Station
Subject	Department of Biology
Subject	Department of Earth System Science
Subject	BIOHOPK 182H
Subject	BIOHOPK 323H
Subject	EARTHSYS 323
Subject	ESS 323
Subject	habit mapping
Subject	IKONOS satellite
Subject	Palmyra Atoll
Subject	Line Islands
Genre	Student project report

Location	https://purl.stanford.edu/cd039yv5615

Use and reproduction: User agrees that, where applicable, content will not be used to identify or to otherwise infringe the privacy or confidentiality rights of individuals. Content distributed via the Stanford Digital Repository may be subject to additional license and use restrictions applied by the depositor.
License: This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported license (CC BY).

Preferred Citation: Whitney P. Hopkins , 2003. Habitat Mapping of Palmyra. Unpublished student research paper, S-187, Stanford@SEA, Stanford Digital Repository. https://purl.stanford.edu/cd039yv5615.

Stanford@SEA -- Student papers

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