ESTIMATING FORAMINIFERAL HABITAT ON MAJURO ATOLL USING AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHS

Abstract

 Global warming is considered the main cause of rising sea levels. Flat atoll islands in the South Pacific, with an average elevation of only a few meters, are affected by rising sea levels, especially in the coastal zone. Hardware measures, such as installing levees and shore reclamation, are important for adapting to climate change in these islands. Additionally, the protection of foraminifera contributes to island formation. However, foraminifera is decreasing due to population density. Therefore, it is crucial to study the foraminifera habitats and take measures, such as establishing protected areas. In this study, new aerial photography and surveying were conducted based on preliminary survey results. Foraminifera habitat areas were then estimated using image analysis combining aerial photographs and geospatial information. Correspondence with foraminifera habitat potential and classification accuracy tables reveals that foraminifera habitat areas could be estimated.