landforms of coastal deposition

Question 1

mudflats

Answer 1

• only develop on sheltered shore lines
• often they are located in estuaries where rivers meet the sea or on the landward side of spits
• mudflats are low lying areas of the shore that are submerged at high tide consisting of silt and mud which is deposited by the tide and river

Question 2

where do mudflats develop and why

Answer 2

• they develop in estuaries where the salt water gently flows, bringing in large amounts of fine sediment. this meets the equally slow moving river which is carrying silt
• as the two flows meet the process of flocculation= where clay particles join to form larger particles which sink to the bottom
• at low tide the area of mud is exposed

Question 3

what are salt marshes:

Answer 3

• overtime mudflats develop Into salt marshes

- the vegetation success is known as a halo sphere( tolerant to salty conditions)

Question 4

stages of success of salt marshes

Answer 4

• low lying vegetation grows such as eel grass(pioneer plants)
• pioneers begin to colonise the area
• as they develop close over the mud other plants like sea aster grow
• the growth of vegetation effects the slowing down of the tidal current which helps mud and silt accumulate.dead organic matter also helps build up the surface
• as mud levels rise, complex creek systems develop than channel the tides and deepen them as the marsh gets higher
• as the land rises above the sea level, rushes and reeds grow which leads to ash and oak to grow

Question 5

factor that effect the development of salt marshes

Answer 5

• WEATHER- storms can erode the marsh
• RIVER REGIME- changes in the currents and volume
• HUMAN ACTIVITY- commercial and recreational activity can damage marshes
• SEA LEVEL-rises can upset the equilibrium and destroys marshes
• WAVE TYPE- changes In direction or size can affect marsh stability