Blue carbon storage & environmental influences in mangroves, Puerto Rico

Mangrove ecosystems play a crucial role in global carbon sequestration, with carbon storage capacity influenced by site-specific environmental and climatic factors. This study examined carbon storage in two mangrove systems in Puerto Rico—La Parguera and Laguna Grande—and assessed the relative influence of hydrology, sediment deposition, and climate factors on carbon accumulation. Laguna Grande had significantly (p < 0.10) higher carbon storage (166 ± 66 Mg C ha⁻¹ (σ)) than La Parguera (115 ± 68 Mg C ha⁻¹ (σ)). Hydrological processes, including tidal exchange and water residence time, are likely key regulators of organic matter retention and decomposition. La Parguera’s stronger tidal flushing may facilitate organic matter export, while Laguna Grande’s restricted tidal exchange and higher primary production (as evidenced by higher standing biomass) may promote accumulation. Although climatic differences between the study areas—higher temperatures and precipitation in San Juan (Laguna..., , , # Blue carbon storage & environmental influences in mangroves, Puerto Rico

[https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.pnvx0k6zp](https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.pnvx0k6zp)

## Description of the data and file structure

Sediment Core Data from Puerto Rican Mangroves was collected for biogeochemical analysis in June 2023 and June 2024 and analyzed at the Woods Hole USGS Coastal and Marine Science.

Temperature and Precipitation Data downloaded from the NOAA National Weather Station for two Puerto Rico sites (Lajas and San Juan): website [[https://www.weather.gov/wrh/Climate?wfo=sju\].](https://www.weather.gov/wrh/Climate?wfo=sju)

### Files and variables

#### File: COREDATA.xls

**Description:** Excel sheet for mangroves in two locations in Puerto Rico, collected 1 year apart. There are two sheets of data, one for 2023 and the other for 2024. This data includes the sample tag, Date collected, latitude and longitude, dry bulk density, carbon, and loss on ignition as obtained from the USGS. See next f..., ,