Salt Marshes Flashcards
Define accretion.
The build up of sediment.
Bioconstruction.
Certain plants increase rate of deposition by slowing down the water as it passes over the vegetation.
Define biodiversity.
The variety of different plant species found in an area.
What are creeks?
Channels between the raised areas of the marshes where the tidal water moves quickly, widening and deepening the creeks as it travels.
What is fluctuation?
If particles being carried by the sea are clay, they stick together, become heavier and are deposited.
What are haloseres?
Areas with salty conditions where vegetation succession occurs.
What are halophytes?
Plants that can tolerate these salty conditions.
What are mudflats?
These are very similar to salt marshes but are more tidal. They are often left exposed from the sea for over 4 hours at a time.
What are pioneer species?
These are the first plant species to colonise a new area of land such as salt marshes or sand dunes.
What is meant by salinity?
This is the amount of salt in an area.
What type of salinity do salt marshes have?
They have a high salinity.
What are saltpans?
This is where sea water collects in hollows, which are left without water when the tide goes out. Evaporation occurs leaving behind salt crystals. Only algae can tolerate these conditions.
What is vegetation succession?
This is where pioneer species first colonise an area that is too harsh do other plants to grow. As roots and decomposition occurs, conditions become more favourable and new plants begin to take over.
Where do mudflats and salt marshes form?
They form in sheltered low-energy coastlines.
What type of tidal range are mudflats and salt marshes associated with?
They are associated with large tidal ranges.
What transports large quantities of fine sediment?
Powerful currents.
What type of shoreline can a mudflat be found on?
Low-lying sheltered shorelines.
Where can mudflats be found?
In an estuary or the landward side of a spit.
What are mudflats made from?
Silt and clay.
What forms permanent channels that are exposed at low tide?
Flowing water.
What are the salinity levels like in the mudflat?
They are high.
What are the oxygen levels in the mudflat like?
They are low.
What is the ecology of a mudflat?
Algae is present but no flats.
What process is associated with salt marsh formation?
Flocculation.
