salt marshes Flashcards
What is a salt marsh?
An area of coastal grassland that is regularly flooded by sea water.
What is the halosere?
Succession of plants growing in salty conditions.
What factors affect salt marsh development?
No strong tides
Sheltered area
Needs to be a change in velocity
Needs to be a mixture of salt + freshwater
No strong currents
What are the steps for the formation of a salt marsh succession?
Tidal currents are slowed and material deposits
Gradually uneven mudflats develop
These mudflats are colonized by pioneer species that are tolerant of the salty conditions
The vegetation grow closer and have friction against tidal current, they also trap more mud through positive feedback
The level of the mudflats increase and eventually it is above sea level
The salt marsh succession is complete - soil conditions improve , shrubs + trees colonize
What are some human threats to salt marshes?
Industrial and agricultural pollution
Dredging reducing mudflat accumulation
Commercial activities erode marshes
What are some physical threats to salt marshes?
Sea level rise floods land
Greater wave energy erodes and decreases sediment supply
Changing temperature and rainfall patterns might affect species’ tolerance
