Mudflats

Question 1

What is a mudflat

Answer 1

Mudflats or mud flats, also known as tidal flats, are coastal wetlands that form when mud is deposited by tides or rivers

Question 2

Development

Answer 2

Only develop on sheltered shorelines that aren’t exposed to powerful waves which can cause erosion

Question 3

Location

Answer 3

In estuaries or on the landward side of the spit

Low lying areas of the shore that are submerged at high tide and composed of silt and clay

Question 4

Development

Answer 4

Develop in estuaries where the flow of fresh water out of the river is slow and the sea water flows into the river mouth which each high tide and out with each low tide

Question 5

Causes of the deposition

Answer 5

The saltwater brings large amounts of fine sediments and meets the river which is also carrying its own load of fine silts and clays

As the two flows meet the fine particles settle and flocculation occurs
This is the process when clays carried by suspension by the river join together as freshwater meets saltwater
The clays cluster becoming heavier and are deposited

Creates mudflats

Question 6

Low tides

Answer 6

At low tides the inter-tidal area of mud is left exposed

Mudflats can be very extensive covering tens of sq/m

Question 7

Not permanent

Answer 7

Susceptible to:
Changes in sea level
Wave action 
Changes in discharge levels in river 
Changes to tidal flows

Question 8

Example

Answer 8

Morecambe Bay in northwest England
4 river estuaries home to the largest single area of continuous mud and sand flats

Sizeable examples in USA are in Cape Cod