Hidden Mangrove Forest In Yucatan Peninsula Reveals Ancient Sea Levels

[Judi Lynn]

The aquatic life of the San Pedro Mártir River in Tabasco, Mexico, finds refuge in the submerged roots of the red mangrove forests. CREDIT: Octavio Aburto

October 5, 2021
By Eurasia Review

Deep in the heart of the Yucatan Peninsula, an ancient mangrove ecosystem flourishes more than 200 kilometers (124 miles) from the nearest ocean. This is unusual because mangroves—salt-tolerant trees, shrubs, and palms—are typically found along tropical and subtropical coastlines.

A new study led by researchers across the University of California system in the United States and researchers in Mexico focuses on this luxuriant red mangrove forest. This “lost world” is located far from the coast along the banks of the San Pedro Martir River, which runs from the El Petén rainforests in Guatemala to the Balancán region in Tabasco, Mexico.

Because the red mangrove (Rhizophora mangle) and other species present in this unique ecosystem are only known to grow in salt water or somewhat salty water, the binational team set out to discover how the coastal mangroves were established so deep inland in fresh water completely isolated from the ocean. Their findings were published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America.

Integrating genetic, geologic, and vegetation data with sea-level modeling, the study provides a first glimpse of an ancient coastal ecosystem. The researchers found that the San Pedro mangrove forests reached their current location during the last interglacial period, some 125,000 years ago, and have persisted there in isolation as the oceans receded during the last glaciation.

More:
https://www.eurasiareview.com/05102021-hidden-mangrove-forest-in-yucatan-peninsula-reveals-ancient-sea-levels/

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Research article:

4-OCT-2021
Hidden mangrove forest in the Yucatan peninsula reveals ancient sea levels
Researchers investigate an ancient coastal ecosystem found more than 120 miles from the nearest ocean, revealing sea level impacts from the last interglacial period

Peer-Reviewed Publication
UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA - SAN DIEGO

https://www.pnas.org/content/118/41/e2024518118