Tropical cyclones (TCs) are major climatic factors that significantly impact coastal ecosystems and communities. Due to climate change, the intensity, frequency, and tracks of TCs are changing. Mangroves provide crucial coastal protection against extreme weather events, including TCs, through surge and wind suppression. While TCs affect mangroves, most existing case studies focus on the impacts of high wind speeds during severe cyclones that have caused significant damage. However, systematic research on the different characteristics of TCs and resulting impacts on mangroves is still lacking.
This study categorizes TCs that have occurred across Queensland from 1980 to 2024 into types based on three criteria: rainfall, wind speed, and storm surge. We analyzed how TC types affected Queensland’s mangroves by assessing changes in mangrove canopy cover with different TC types using Landsat imagery. By understanding the specific impacts of various TC characteristics on mangroves, this study provides valuable insights for coastal ecosystem management and conservation strategies in the face of climate change, such as contributing to effective management plans to enhance the resilience of mangrove ecosystems from disturbances.