Vulnerability of Mediterranean ecosystems to long-term changes along the coast of Israel.

ABSTRACT: Although human activity is considered to be a major driving force affecting the distribution and dynamics of Mediterranean ecosystems, the full consequences of projected climate variability and relative sea-level changes on fragile coastal ecosystems for the next century are still unknown. It is unclear how these waterfront ecosystems can be sustained, as well as the services they provide, when relative sea-level rise and global warming are expected to exert even greater pressures in the near future (drought, habitat degradation and accelerated shoreline retreat). Haifa Bay, northern Israel, has recorded a landward sea invasion, with a maximum sea penetration 4,000 years ago, during an important period of urban development and climate instability. Here, we examine the cumulative pressure o

SUBMITTER: Kaniewski D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4087011 | biostudies-literature | 2014

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature