Publications by authors named "Francisco Flores-de-Santiago"

Article Synopsis
  • Mangrove forests are mapped using remote sensing due to the difficulties of conducting fieldwork, but this often requires a lot of manual image processing, prompting the use of cloud computing for better accuracy in classifications.
  • The study focused on the spatial distribution and changes in red mangroves and other species along the northwestern coast of Mexico from 2015 to 2020, using data processed through Google Earth Engine.
  • Findings revealed a total of 42865 ha of red mangrove and 139602 ha of other species in 2020, with a decrease of 1817 ha since 2015, mainly due to aquaculture and hurricanes; the study aims to aid decision-making for conservation and climate initiatives.
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The interactions between local tides and river discharges are crucial in the processes related to the recruitment of mangrove propagules in estuarine systems. This investigation aimed to determine the causes of the recent natural recruitment and expansion of Laguncularia racemosa in mudflats within an ephemeral inlet in Mexico. We conducted a fluvial and coastal geomorphology assessment with spaceborne and UAV-based images.

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Due to their location in tropical latitudes, mangrove forests are susceptible to the impact of hurricanes and can be vastly damaged by their high-speed winds. Given the logistic difficulties regarding field surveys in mangroves, remote sensing approaches have been considered a reliable alternative. We quantified trends in damage and early signs of canopy recovery in a fringe Rhizophora mangle area of Marismas Nacionales, Mexico, following the landfall of Hurricane Willa in October 2018.

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Continuum monitoring of mangrove ecosystems is required to maintain and improve upon national mangrove conservation strategies. In particular, mangrove canopy assessments using remote sensing methods can be undertaken rapidly and, if freely available, optimize costs. Although such spaceborne data have been used for such purposes, their application to map mangroves at the species level has been limited by the capacity to provide continuous data.

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Within the last few decades, tropical coastal systems such as beaches, dunes, and mangrove forests have experienced high annual rates of loss worldwide due to natural and anthropogenic impacts. Historical remote sensing data have been used to map and monitor these fragile systems, as well as to track specific events through time. The purpose of this study was to examine coastal trends along Marismas Nacionales in Mexico, which is the largest wetland complex of the western coast of the Pacific Ocean.

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