[M-AG32] Satellite Land Physical Processes Monitoring at Medium/High/Very High Resolution

[MAG32-P02] Evaluating changes in blue carbon storage by analyzing tidal flat areas using satellite data in the Nakdong River estuary, South Korea

*Minju Kim¹、Jeong U Park¹、Chang-Uk Hyun¹ (1.Dong-A University)

キーワード：Tidal flat, Blue carbon, PlanetScope, RapidEye, Time-series analysis

Global warming, attributed to the increase in atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations, is inducing abnormal climate patterns worldwide, negatively impacting ecosystems and humanity. In response, countries are attempting to reduce greenhouse gases through various means, such as increasing renewable energy usage, international agreements, and ecosystem restoration. As part of these efforts, there is growing interest in 'blue carbon', the carbon absorbed by marine ecosystems. It was first mentioned in a 2009 United Nations report and later recognized by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) as a means of reducing greenhouse gases. Blue carbon is known to absorb carbon at rates over 50 times faster than green carbon, which refers to the carbon stored in the plants and soil of natural ecosystems, thus playing a vital role in combating climate change. Notably, the tidal flats of South Korea, one of the world's five largest, are highly valued for their rich biodiversity and significant carbon absorption capacity. While previous studies have focused on the blue carbon absorption and annual carbon uptake of tidal flats, there have been few studies where satellite data has been used to directly detect changes in tidal flat areas and link them to blue carbon storage. This study aims to conduct a long-term analysis of the area and changes of the tidal flats in the Nakdong River estuary over approximately 11 years, from 2013 to 2023. Utilizing high-resolution multi-temporal satellite data from PlanetScope and RapidEye, coupled with remote sensing image analysis techniques, the study focuses on estimating the changes in blue carbon storage during this period. The study area, a river estuary meeting the sea, undergoes frequent changes in tidal flats due to tidal influences and sediment influx from the river. By analyzing the time series satellite data of these tidal flats, the study assesses the impact of changes in tidal flat areas on the carbon absorption capacity of marine ecosystems. The results of this research contribute not only to the protection and sustainable management of tidal flat ecosystems but also emphasize the role of tidal flats as a significant global carbon sink. Additionally, the methodology utilizing satellite remote sensing technology in this research is expected to provide new foundational data for blue carbon studies.