Salt Marshes Flashcards
1
Q
Where do salt marshes form?
A
The inter tidal zone (between high and low tide mark)
At low energy coastlines
Shelter from wind and waves
Flat land
2
Q
What are the features at the high tide mark?
A
Low energy
Climax species = Sedge
3
Q
Conditions at low tide mark:
A
Harsh conditions for life (high salinity -> salty)
Thin layer of nutrients from ground
Pioneer species = Glass wort
4
Q
What 2 main things do salt marshes need to form?
A
A low energy environment and a source of sediment
5
Q
Examples of pioneer species:
A
Glasswort, Sea Purslane, Sedge
6
Q
What is plant succession?
A
The changing structure of a plant community over time initially bare sediment area is colonised by plants.
