mudflats Flashcards
1
Q
where do mudflats develop?
A
on sheltered shorelines that are to exposed to powerful waves
2
Q
what are mudflats often located?
A
in estuaries or on the landward side of a spit
3
Q
what are the characteristics of a mudflat?
A
- low lying land
- submerged at high tide
- composed of clay and sand
4
Q
what is flocculation?
A
process in which fine particles are clumped together
5
Q
describe the process by which a mudflat forms in an estuary
A
as the river comes to meet the sea its flow slows down
sea water from the mouth also flows into the river bringing fine material
slowing river down
as two flows meet flocculation occurs
as this goes on they sink to the bed and it rises up to form a mudflat
