2.3 Coral Reefs and Mangroves

Question 1

Conditions for coral reef growth

Answer 1

• Clear, clean water for sunlight to penetrate through water –> photosynthesis
• warm water
• salt water
• calm water
• pH is alkaline
• Oxygen for photosynthesis
• shallow water

Question 2

Conditions for mangrove swamp growth

Answer 2

• Shallow water
• Calm water
• Sunlight
• Suitable levels of saltiness
• Specific soils

Question 3

Why are mangrove swamps important?

Answer 3

• Protects the coastline from tsunamis or hurricanes (flood defence)
• Prevents coastal eruption (natural barrier)
• Can trap toxins that have been released in the water
• Filters pollutants from rivers
• Prevents sediment from reaching nearby coral reefs
• Provides habitat for fish and sea animals
• Produces leaves for the fish to eat → increase in fishing

Question 4

Describe the features of barrier reefs

Answer 4

• Coral grows in a shallower area away from the mainland.
• The water between is too deep for coral to grow and forms a lagoon.
• Island sinks due to tectonic plates
• Reef grows

Question 5

Describe the features of fringing reefs

Answer 5

• Coral reefs grow in the shallow water of the coast in the tropical areas
• Borders the coastline → protected by barrier reefs further out

Question 6

Describe the features of an atoll

Answer 6

• forms around sinking islands

- a ring of coral formed as islands sink below sea level

Question 7

Define mangrove swamps

Answer 7

trees + swamps that grow in (saltwater) tropical coastlines and regions