Nature Sustainability Article: "Ghost forest" formation across the US Atlantic coast

Sea level rise and extreme weather have accelerated flooding and saltwater intrusion along the coasts, killing millions of trees in what researchers now call "ghost forests." Coastal forests protect shorelines, store carbon, and sustain surrounding communities — and their loss carries consequences for regional and global climate systems.

Researchers mapped over 10 million dead trees along the US Atlantic region to understand the extent of ghost forests, determine the key driving factors, and assess the effects of man-made flood obstructions. They identified over 6 million dead trees as ghost forests, primarily driven by salinization.

Wide-spread tree die-off in the Cape May Peninsula and along Great Egg Harbor Bay and near the Mullica River (Source: Green Philly)

Read the full Nature Article here: Overlooked and extensive ghost forest formation across the US Atlantic coast (December 3, 2025)

View the ghost forest map: Ghost Forests in the US Atlantic Coast

Read Green Philly's summary: New research shows widespread “ghost forests” in New Jersey (April 1, 2026)