Saltmarshes

Question 1

after mudflats

Answer 1

Overtime mudflats develop into salt marshes

The vegetation succession that develops is known as halosere (tolerant of salty conditions)

Question 2

Factors affecting development

Answer 2

Tidal regime- changes in tidal currents

Weather- storms erode marsh

River regimes- changes in current

Sediment supply, sea level, climate

Question 3

conditions required for formation

Answer 3

Sheltered river estuaries, behind spits

Where wave energy is low and fine sediment available

Inter-tidal mudflats

Process of flocculation occurs

Question 4

formation 1

Answer 4

Low lying vegetation such as eelgrass grows on mudflats and this slows current further-> increased uneven deposition

Question 5

formation 2

Answer 5

Pioneer plants colonise the area, tolerate salt and submergence by the sea (aka halophytes, eg, spartina and glasswort)

SPARTINA- surface toots bind to mud and lock thick deep roots can secure up to 2m of deposited material
Trap more mud

Question 6

formation 3

Answer 6

Pioneers gradually develop and close vegetation over the mud-> more colonisation of marsh grass and sea aster

From a dense mat of vegetation up to 15cm high and slows ideal currents further more mud and slit accumulation

Question 7

formation 4

Answer 7

As mud levels rise, complex creek systems develop that channel tides
Deepen as marsh becomes higher

Hallows form where seawater is tapped and evaporates, leaves salt pans where salinity is too great for plants to survive

Land rises above sea level and rushes and reeds established. trees grow to complete succession