Mudflats and saltmarshes

Question 1

Where do mudflats develop?

Answer 1

• sheltered shorelines that aren’t exposed to powerful waves

Question 2

Where are mudflats often found?

Answer 2

• in estuaries (where rivers meet the sea)

- landward side of a spit

Question 3

What are mudflats composed of?

Answer 3

silt and clay

Question 4

What are mudflats?

Answer 4

• low lying areas that are submerged at high tide

Question 5

What is flocculation and how does it affect mudflats?

Answer 5

• when gently flowing saltwater and river water meet (both carrying fine sediment)
• Flocculation = causes fine particles to settle out of suspension
• individual clay particles aggregate together to form larger, heavier particles that can sink to the bed

Question 6

At low tide, what is left exposed?

Answer 6

the inter-tidal area of mud

Question 7

Are mudflats permanent features?

Answer 7

• no

- very susceptible to changes in sea level, wave action or changes in discharge levels