Finding patterns of atoll morphometrics at a range of spatial scales

Small Island Nations, often comprised of Atolls, are at considerable risk climate change impacts from sea-level rise to coral acidification increasing cyclone intensity; understanding how they will in the coming century is vital for mitigation and resiliency. However, morphology atolls not well quantified or summarized. In this work, we calculate modern atoll morphometrics on a global scale including 3,786 motu 593 reef flats 154 atolls. Temporal composites Landsat imagery created 4 years (2015–2018), classified into motu, flat, open water/lagoon via unsupervised classification. Morphometrics, widths, lengths, area, computed each flat Python, creating database their associated morphometrics. Consistency automated processing removes spatial user bias, enabling better geographic patterns area other Distinct differences distribution seen regional French Polynesia, while globally, wider larger found closest equator. Globally, there consistent width front large (>1 km length) 184 ± 93 m (n = 724). Our morphometric creates baseline current characteristics that can be expanded upon future used evaluating temporal changes islands.