Successional stage classification of coastal saltmarshes and tidal flats in China (2022)

Description: This dataset provides a 10-m resolution raster map of successional stages of coastal intertidal habitats in China for 2022. Based on the temporal trend and variability of vegetation contribution to soil carbon (CVSC_t, CVSC_sd) combined with EVI thresholds, saltmarshes and tidal flats were classified into four categories: 1 = Permanent tidal flats (persistent unvegetated areas), 2 = Degrading saltmarshes (CVSC_sd &gt; 0, CVSC_t &lt; 0), 3 = Developing saltmarshes (CVSC_sd &gt; 0, CVSC_t &gt; 0), 4 = Mature saltmarshes (CVSC_sd = 0, EVI_max &gt; 0.1 in 2022). This classification highlights the dynamic ecological states of saltmarshes beyond static vegetation mapping, providing critical insights into blue carbon storage potential and conservation prioritization. Data are provided as a single-band GeoTIFF file.<br>Please cite Qi G, Wei J, Li H, et al. Insight into rapid vegetation dynamics in China’s saltmarshes reveals overlooked coastal soil carbon storage[J]. One Earth, 2026, 9(2) if using for academic research.