Estuaries, Mangroves and Salt Marshes Flashcards
What is an estuary?
The transition between freshwater and marine biome
What are the 5 zones of an estuary?
Head, upper reaches, middle reaches, lower reaches, and mouth
What are the 4 types of estuaries?
Coastal plain estuaries, drowned river valleys, tectonic estuaries, and bar-built/lagoon type
The majority of estuary organisms are…
Of marine origin
Are estuary organisms sessile?
No
What are some examples of estuary species?
Mudskippers and fiddler crabs
How many people live in the Mersey watershed area?
Over 5 million
What are mangroves?
Salt-tolerant plants that live between land and sea at tropical latitudes
What are some of the ecosystem services that mangroves provide?
Fish nurseries, coastal protection, sediment control, etc
Where can you find the majority of mangroves?
Asia
What are some adaptations of mangroves?
Salinity control, thick leaf cuticles, high tannin content, viviparous seedlings, prop roots, aerial roots
In order of salinity tolerance, what are the main mangrove species?
Red mangrove, black mangrove, white mangrove, and buttonwood
What are salt marshes?
Coastal wetlands that are flooded and drained by saltwater at high latitudes
What are the salt marshes requirements?
Fine sediment, no strong waves or currents, salty conditions, temperate or cool temperature, wide tidal range
