Shoreline changes in coral reef islands of the Federated States of Micronesia since the mid-20th century

With projections of accelerating sea-level rise, changing weather and wave regimes increasing intensity storm events associated with anthropogenic climate change, the physical persistence consequently habitability coral reef islands is a global concern. This study presents an analysis shoreline changes on 104 from 16 atolls in western equatorial Pacific nation Federated States Micronesia across period coincident rising local sea level high frequency events. Aerial photographs mid-1940s 1970s were analysed alongside recent high-resolution satellite imagery to document planform morphological adjustments islands. Results revealed accretion has been predominant mode 46% studied shorelines showing statistically significant leading net increase 64.37 ha (~3%) land area archipelago. Three new formed cumulative 2.05 ha, conversely, three completely eroded loss 3.20 providing record concurrent island formation within setting. Reef FSM demonstrated range styles geomorphic including rotation, expansion, contraction, spit extension, migration platform. provide empirical evidence despite rise as well heterogeneity magnitude style responses considerable variability at inter intra-atoll scales.