8. Landscape Of Estuarine Mudflats And Salt Marshes

Question 1

Where do mudflats and salt marshes form?

Answer 1

Sheltered low-energy coastlines with large tidal ranges and powerful currents that transport large amounts of fine sediment

Question 2

Give an example of a mudflat.

Answer 2

Morecambe Bay

Question 3

Describe mudflats.

Answer 3

On low-lying, sheltered shorelines
Often an estuary or the landward side of a spit
Made of silt and clay
Flowing water forms permanent channels exposed at low tides
High salinity, low oxygen in mud

Question 4

What is the main process that occurs at a mudflat?

Answer 4

Flocculation- clay particles join and form heavier particles which sink into the bed

Question 5

What is the ecology of a mudflat?

Answer 5

Algae

No plants

Question 6

Give an example of a salt marsh.

Answer 6

Alnmouth, Northumberland

Question 7

Describe the landscape of a salt marsh.

Answer 7

Flat, low-lying estuarine areas

Formed from mudflats over time

Question 8

What is the process of halosere?

Answer 8

Pioneer species develop
Soil develops, salinity lowers, currents are slowed, more deposition occurs, organic matter is produced
Marsh increases in height
Biodiversity and plant cover increase
Mud level rises, land rises above sea level, reeds grow.
Salinity levels fall and soil develops

Question 9

What is the ecology of a salt marsh?

Answer 9

Glasswort, cord grass
These plants slow the movement of water and encourage sedimentation
Their roots stabilise the mud
Sea aster, sea lavender, marsh grass