Ecosystem change and geodiversity

Ecosystem responses to climate change and sea-level rise will depend on geomorphological processes and their ability to resist change. For rivers, coasts and steep hillsides, successful and sustainable adaptation measures will require working with natural processes, not against them, at appropriate spatial scales (e.g. catchments and coastal zones).

Some habitats may become more dynamic as a result of changes in the nature and rate of geomorphological processes. Greater geomorphological heterogeneity may make it easier for biodiversity to adapt to climate change. Conversely, increased rates of geomorphological activity may be too fast for some habitats and species to adapt.

The likely increased incidence of flooding, and consequent enhanced erosion and rates of sediment movement will affect the quality of freshwater habitats. Similarly, any changes in seasonal flows, for example the timing and duration of droughts, will have implications for freshwater habitats. Overall, there may also be less recovery time between extreme events, such as wash-out of spawning areas.

The geomorphological constraints on species adaptation centre on the speed of landscape readjustment and the length of time an area remains potentially unstable.