AI Unveils Massive 'Ghost Forests' Along U.S. Coastline, Detecting Nearly 12 Million Dead Trees Caused by Rising Sea Levels

A new machine learning approach has uncovered a vast network of “ghost forests” along the U.S. Atlantic coast—areas where large numbers of trees have died, often due to rising sea levels and saltwater intrusion. Using advanced algorithms and satellite imagery, researchers identified nearly 12 million dead or dying trees across coastal wetlands, revealing the hidden scale of ecosystem collapse driven by climate change. The study, led by scientists from the University of Maryland and the U.S. Geological Survey, leveraged artificial intelligence to analyze high-resolution satellite data collected over multiple years. The machine learning model was trained to detect subtle changes in forest canopy color, structure, and density—key indicators of tree stress and mortality. Unlike traditional field surveys, which are time-consuming and limited in scope, this AI-powered method allowed researchers to assess vast stretches of coastline with unprecedented accuracy and speed. The findings show that ghost forests—characterized by skeletal, grayish trees standing in otherwise healthy marshes—are widespread from Maine to Florida. Many of these forests are located in low-lying coastal areas where saltwater is increasingly penetrating freshwater systems due to sea level rise and more frequent storm surges. As trees are unable to survive in salty conditions, they die off in large numbers, leaving behind the eerie, wind-swept remains. Scientists estimate that the affected area spans hundreds of square miles, with the most severe die-offs occurring in regions like North Carolina’s coastal plain and the Chesapeake Bay watershed. The data also suggest that the rate of tree mortality is accelerating, underscoring the urgency of climate adaptation efforts. Beyond their visual impact, ghost forests are ecological red flags. Dead trees reduce carbon sequestration, disrupt wildlife habitats, and can contribute to increased greenhouse gas emissions as organic matter decomposes. They also signal the vulnerability of coastal ecosystems to ongoing climate change. The AI-driven method offers a powerful new tool for monitoring environmental change. Researchers say it could be expanded to track other climate-related impacts, such as wildfires, droughts, and deforestation, providing timely data for policymakers and conservationists. As sea levels continue to rise, the expansion of ghost forests may become more common—making early detection and intervention critical. The study highlights not only the hidden consequences of climate change but also the potential of artificial intelligence to reveal them.