Crowded Coasts 2.3.3 Flashcards
Enquiry Question: How can coastlines be managed in a sustainable way?
What is plant succession in a coastal environment?
It is the gradual development of vegetation in coastal zones, starting with pioneer species and ending with a climax community.
Why is succession important for stabilising coastal landforms?
It helps bind soil, trap sediment, and protect against wind and wave erosion.
What are pioneer plants, and what conditions can they tolerate?
They are the first species to colonise bare sand or mud; they tolerate high salinity, wind, and poor nutrients.
Describe the role of marram grass in dune succession.
Marram grass stabilises dunes with deep roots and traps more sand, allowing dune growth.
What physical feature initiates embryo dune formation?
Sand accumulates around obstacles like driftwood or shingle ridges.
How do yellow dunes differ from embryo dunes?
Yellow dunes are larger, contain more sand, and start to support vegetation.
What changes in soil and vegetation occur in grey dunes?
Soil becomes richer with organic matter; more diverse vegetation grows.
What is a dune slack and when does it form?
A low-lying area between dunes where the water table is close to the surface, forming wetland conditions.
How does vegetation succession increase biodiversity on dunes?
As soil improves, more species can grow, increasing plant and animal diversity.
What long-term benefits does plant succession provide to the coastal zone?
It protects inland areas from erosion, creates habitats, and reduces flood risk
What is the first stage of salt marsh succession?
The algal stage, where algae bind mud and stabilise the surface.
Which plants dominate during the pioneer stage of a salt marsh?
Cord grass and glasswort, which tolerate salty, muddy conditions.
How does vegetation contribute to the rise of salt marsh height over time?
As plants trap sediment and organic matter accumulates, the marsh builds up.
What characterises the stabilisation stage in salt marshes?
More vegetation like sea thrift and sea lavender grows; less frequent submergence.
What is climax vegetation in a salt marsh and how often is it submerged?
Species like red fescue and sedges grow; only submerged once or twice a year.
What conditions are needed for mangrove growth?
Warm tropical climates, saline water, and low-energy sheltered coastlines.
How do mangroves protect coastlines from storm surges?
Their roots absorb wave energy and bind coastal sediments.
Name two ways mangroves support local economies.
They provide fish nurseries and timber for construction.
What makes mangrove wood commercially valuable?
It is water-resistant and rot-resistant, making it ideal for local use.
How do coral reefs contribute to coastal protection?
They act as natural breakwaters, absorbing wave energy before it hits the shore.
What is coral bleaching and what causes it?
It is the loss of algae from coral due to rising sea temperatures, which can kill the reefs.
How are coral reefs linked to biodiversity and marine food chains?
They support thousands of marine species and serve as breeding and feeding grounds.
What ecosystem services do coral reefs provide for tourism and fishing?
They attract tourists for diving/snorkelling and support local fisheries.
How does rapid urbanisation affect natural coastal ecosystems?
It replaces habitats with concrete, increases pollution, and disrupts sediment balance.
Why is tourism development a threat to coastal habitats?
Infrastructure destroys habitats and increases waste and pollution.
How can construction and infrastructure degrade the wider coastal zone?
They interrupt natural processes and sediment movement, leading to erosion elsewhere.
What impact can unsustainable fishing practices have on coral reefs?
They damage reef structures and reduce biodiversity, disrupting food chains.
How does removing vegetation increase erosion and flood risk?
Roots that stabilise sediment are lost, making coasts more vulnerable to wave action.
Why does coastal ecosystem loss affect cultural identity?
Communities often have traditions, livelihoods, and ways of life tied to these environments.
How does ocean acidification affect marine organisms with shells?
It reduces the availability of calcium carbonate, weakening shells and coral skeletons.
Why is rising sea surface temperature harmful to coral reefs?
It causes coral bleaching and increases the frequency of storms that damage reefs.
What impact does rising sea level have on mangrove swamps?
Mangroves can become permanently submerged, reducing their ability to grow and protect coasts.
How do global climate threats impact local livelihoods?
They reduce fish stocks, damage tourism, and increase the cost of rebuilding after floods/storms.
Why are tropical coastal ecosystems especially vulnerable to climate change?
They are located in low-lying areas with limited resources for adaptation and face intense climate threats.
What is land reclamation and why is it used in coastal areas?
It is the process of creating new land from the sea, often to expand cities or ports.
Name one country or city where artificial islands have been built.
Dubai, UAE (e.g. Palm Jumeirah).
What is one economic benefit of land reclamation?
It provides new space for housing, business, and tourism.
What is one environmental risk of building artificial islands?
It destroys marine habitats and disrupts natural coastal processes.
How can artificial islands interfere with natural sediment transport?
They block longshore drift and change current patterns, leading to erosion elsewhere.
Why are vegetated ecosystems like dunes and marshes more sustainable than hard engineering?
They work with natural processes, are self-sustaining, and enhance biodiversity.
To what extent do mangroves act as both natural defences and economic assets?
They reduce flood risk and support fishing, tourism, and timber industries.
Why is balancing tourism and ecosystem protection so difficult in coastal areas?
Tourism demands infrastructure and access, which often damages sensitive environments.
What role should local communities play in protecting coastal ecosystems?
They bring local knowledge, rely on these ecosystems, and can manage resources sustainably.
Should governments prioritise land reclamation over natural ecosystem preservation?
It depends on the context, but over-prioritising reclamation risks long-term environmental damage.
How does the loss of coastal ecosystems impact long-term coastal resilience?
It reduces natural protection against storms, increases erosion, and weakens disaster preparedness.
