NORTE_ROCKS - Fine scale mapping, modelling and quantification of thermal habitat in rocky shore ecosystems in Northern Portugal

NORTE_ROCKS aims at describing the thermal dynamics of rocky shores at multiple scales, from regional to local. This knowledge is key for the precise modelling and quantification of thermal stress over ecologically relevant scales. We will characterise topography, environmental dynamics and biodiversity with unprecedented detail and coverage, and more importantly, without gaps. These spatially complete datasets will be used to downscale gridded model data, which will in turn be used with a land-surface model to obtain 50 years of hourly estimates of rock surface temperature for the entire study area. This level of detail will allow a thorough characterisation of thermal stress patterns and trends, and provide an unique view into the role of thermal habitats in shaping biodiversity patterns.