coral reefs & mangroves Flashcards
what are fringing reefs?
reefs that grow near the coastline around islands and continents . a shallow lagoon lies above them
what are barrier reefs?
reefs that are parallel to the coastline but are separated ny deeper wider lagoon coral grows in shallower areas from mainland
what are atoll reefs?
reefs with rings of coral that create protected lagoons and are usually located in the middle of the sea. Usually form when islands surrounded by fringing reefs sink into sea.
where are coral reefs located?
they are usually found in tropical and sub-tropical seas between 30 degrees N&S of equator
what are the conditions for coral reefs?
depth: less than 25m
light: has to be in shallow water to allow light for photosynthesising algae, in return coral provides algae a place to live, the algae provide coral with 98% of their food
sediment: sediment blocks up the feeding structures and cleaning systems of coral
temp: 18-32 degrees
ph: 8 or above
nutrients: plankton
wave cation: coral reefs prefer areas with wave action, this ensures freshly oxygenated water
air: coral die if they are exposed to air for too long.
where are mangroves located?
they are found in the inter tidal zone along sheltered coastlines that experience tropical and subtropical climates mainly between 30 N & S of equator.
what are the condition for mangroves swamps?
temp: 20 or above
located: in saltwater and freshwater swamps
tides: transport mangrove seeds
tidal fluctuation: reduces competition, supply nutrients, removes waste
climate: humid, saline environment and waterlogged soil.
