Measuring alpha and beta diversity by field and remote sensing data: A challenge for coastal dunes biodiversity monitoring
Combining field collected and remotely sensed (RS) data represents one of the most promising approaches for an extensive and up-to-date ecosystem assessment. We investigated the potential of the so called spectral variability hypothesis (SVH) in linking field-collected and remote-sensed data in Mediterranean coastal dunes and explored if spectral diversity provides reliable information to monitor floristic […]
Marine plastic litter: public perceptions and opinions in Italy
Understanding public perceptions, opinions and knowledge about marine plastic litter issue is a critical step in effectively engaging society and changing human behaviour in order to reduce litter inputs. The study performs a segmentation analysis that jointly considers opinions about sources and impacts of a sample of 605 Italians with a twofold objective: i. to […]
Unmanned aerial systems-based monitoring of the ecogeomorphology of coastal dunes through spectral Rao’s Q
Question: Does spectral diversity captured by unmanned aerial systems (UAS) provide reliable information for monitoring the eco-geomorphological integrity of Mediterranean coastal dune ecosystems? Can this information discriminate between two coastal areas with low (LP) and high (HP) human pressure?Location: Tyrrhenian coast, Central Italy.Methods: By processing UAS images, we derived the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) and topographic variables at high […]
Modelling Beach Litter Accumulation on Mediterranean Coastal Landscapes
Beach litter accumulation patterns are influenced by biotic and abiotic factors, as well as by the distribution of anthropogenic sources. Although the importance of comprehensive approaches to deal with anthropogenic litter pollution is acknowledged, integrated studies including geomorphologic, biotic, and anthropic factors in relation to beach debris accumulation are still needed. In this perspective, Species […]
Mapping Coastal Dune Landscape through Spectral Rao’s Q Temporal Diversity
Coastal dunes are found at the boundary between continents and seas representing unique transitional mosaics hosting highly dynamic habitats undergoing substantial seasonal changes. Here, we implemented a land cover classification approach specifically designed for coastal landscapes accounting for the within-year temporal variability of the main components of the coastal mosaic: vegetation, bare surfaces and water […]
