Mangroves Flashcards
Where are mangroves typically found geographically?
Mangroves are found along tropical and sub-tropical coasts of Africa, Australia, Asia, and the Americas.
How much carbon do mangroves sequester per hectare, per year?
Mangroves sequester almost 1.5 metric tonnes of carbon per hectare, per year.
What are the characteristics of mangrove soils?
Mangrove soils consist of thick organic layers of litter, humus, and peat, containing high levels of carbon, over 10%.
Why is decomposition of plant matter slow in mangrove soils?
Mangrove soils are anaerobic (without oxygen) when submerged twice a day by high tides, and bacteria and microbes can’t survive without oxygen, resulting in slow decomposition of plant matter.
What are some of the major causes of mangrove clearance?
Major causes of mangrove clearance include tourism, shrimp farming, and aquaculture.
How much of the world’s mangrove forests have been lost since 1950?
Globally, half of all mangrove forests have been lost since 1950.
According to Malaysian researchers, what will be the carbon release rate if just 2% of the world’s mangroves are lost?
According to Malaysian researchers, if just 2% of the world’s mangroves are lost, the amount of carbon released will be 50 times the natural sequestration rate.
Name some benefits provided by mangroves.
Mangroves stabilize the coastline against erosion, provide protection and shelter against extreme weather by absorbing and dispersing surges, and provide nurseries for coastal fish away from predators.
