Research article on hurricane impacts to Looe Key Reef, Florida selected as a highlight article in the journal ‘Ocean Science’
USGS research article titled, “Impact of Hurricane Irma on Coral Reef Sediment Redistribution at Looe Key Reef, Florida, USA” was selected by the Ocean Science journal editor as a highlight article.
The journal Ocean Science highlights a new USGS research article describing the impacts of Hurricane Irma on seafloor elevation and structure at Looe Key Reef located along the lower Florida Reef Tract. The article is available at https://os.copernicus.org/articles/20/661/2024/. It is also listed under highlights on the Ocean Science journal homepage https://www.ocean-science.net/.
Global understanding of storm-driven sediment transport along coral reefs and its impact to species and habitats is limited. Measurement of seafloor elevation- and volume-change due to this category 4 hurricane showed rapid burial of coral reef habitats and migration of large seafloor features due to the storm. Post-storm erosion rates were two orders of magnitude greater than historical rates, indicating areas of seafloor instability that could be less suitable for restoration of benthic species. Information from this study can help guide selection of locations to improve success of seafloor habitat and coral restoration.
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