Estimating Mangrove Canopy Height and Above-Ground Biomass in the Everglades National Park with Airborne LiDAR and TanDEM-X Data

Research indicates that mangrove forests in Everglades National Park (ENP) are experiencing significant growth, with canopy heights reaching up to 25 meters and above-ground biomass (AGB) approaching 250 Mg•ha−1. This study, utilizing Airborne LiDAR (ALS) and TanDEM-X (TDX) datasets from 2011–2013, demonstrates a strong correlation (R² = 0.85) between the two measurement techniques, with minimal error (RMSE = 1.96 m). Compared to earlier studies from 2000–2004, current data show increased mangrove stature and biomass, suggesting ongoing recovery post-Hurricane Wilma. These findings highlight ENP's mangroves as resilient carbon sinks, emphasizing their ecological importance in protected coastal ecosystems.

Feliciano, E. A., Wdowinski, S., Potts, M. D., Lee, S.-K., & Fatoyinbo, T. E. (2017). Estimating Mangrove Canopy Height and Above-Ground Biomass in the Everglades National Park with Airborne LiDAR and TanDEM-X Data. Remote Sensing, 9(7), 702. https://doi.org/10.3390/rs9070702