Formation of salt marshes

Question 1

Conditions required

Answer 1

Halosere environments
Tidal range where material is deposited
Often happens behind spits in sheltered areas
Process of flocculation occurs

Question 2

Formation

Answer 2

Rivers deposit fine sediment (mudflats)
As the sediment continues to collect these flats grow in size and elevation
Flooding of the area becomes less intense due to increase in elevation
Plants move into the area
Increase in sediment and plant species

Question 3

Plants found

Answer 3

Spartina
Deep rooted
Stabilise area
Slows water down

Question 4

Formation 2

Answer 4

Low lying vegetation begins to grow on the mudflats.
This slows currents leading to further deposition.
Pioneer species colonise the area.
Gradual colonisation by other plants forms a dense mat of vegetation up to 15cm high.
Vegetation growth slows currents further, leading to more mud and silt accumulation.
The mudflats are submerged for an increasingly shorter period of time so become a saltmarsh.