2 Coastal Environments glossary Flashcards
What is Deposition
The laying down of material (1) on the coast by the sea (1).
What is Sub-Aerial
The re-shaping of land (1) by normal atmospheric processes of wind and rain (1).
What is weathering
The breakdown of rocks (1) which is caused by freeze-thaw, acid rain and by the growth of vegetation (physical, chemical and biological) (1)
Ecosystem
An ecosystem is a community of plants and animals that interact with each other and their physical environment (air, water, soil)
Biome
A large scale ecosystem. A biome is a large biotic unit that consists of vegetation and animal life that has developed in response to abiotic factors of precipitation, temperature, and latitude.
Biodiversity
the variety of plant and animal life in the world or in a particular habitat.
A high level of biodiversity is usually considered to be important and desirable.