Marine Science Mudflats

What is the substrate of mud?

Water, Sediment + detritus (dead particulate organic matter)

How is it formed?

Erosion of rocks, sediment transportation through rivers and oceans, deposition of sediment + accumulation of sediment.

Is temperature within the mudflats stable?

Yes

Is there a lot of light within the sediment?

There is none

Is salinity within the sediment stable?

Yes

What is the level of nutrients?

High due to detritus + streams and rivers delivering nutrients in fresh water

What is the oxygen level within sediment?

Low due to little space between the particles + no diffusion + no light = no photosynthesis

What is hydrogen sulphide?

A toxic substance produced by anaerobic bacteria when decomposing organic material

What is the level of biodiversity?

low

What is the level of productivity?

moderate

What is the biomass?

Moderate-high

What are meiofauna?

Interstitial organisms (they live in the spaces between particles)

What biological adaptations do crabs have to mudflats?

Camouflage, burrowing + running away fast

What biological adaptations do cockles have to mudflats?

Harshell with interlocking valves + a muscular foot for escape

What biological adaptations do clams have?

• Closing up at low tide to keep the hydrogen sulphide out

• Low metabolic rates for lower oxygen requirements

• Long siphons that still allow for deep burrowing

What biological adaptations do shrimp have?

• Burrowing

• low metabolic rates

• hepatopancreas (liver organ that detoxifies sulfide)

• reduced eyes/rely on smell rather than vision

What is the source of sand?

• Rocks on land

• Calcium carbonate from the skeleton of animals or coralline algae

What is the energy on sandy beaches?

Moderate (higher energy beaches have a steeper slope and larger sediment particles)

How much light gets into sand?

No light in sediment due to reflection + absorbtion, however due to transparents particles and spaces light penetrates deeper than in mud.

What is salinity like in sand?

Quite stable (same as the surrounding seawater)

What is the nutrient level like in sand?

Little to none due to nutrients moving through with water + being used quickly (algae provide a good source)

Oxygen levels in sandy beaches?

High due to lots of wave action (especially at hightide) but fine grained beaches do not allow oxygen to enter as quickly + hypoxic at low tide.

What is the level of biodiversity in sandy beaches?

low

What is the level of productivity in sandy beaches?

low

What is the level of biomass in sandy beaches?

low to moderate

What is the importance of meiofuana?

• Decomposition

• nutrient cycling

• food for many consumers at higher trophic levels

• excellent indicators as they are very sensitiive to anthropogenic pollution

What are some of the challenges of living in the sand?

• predation

• lack of nutrients

• turbulent habitat

What are some ecosystem services provided by sandy beaches?

• breakdwon of organic material + pollutants

• water filtration

• prey for birds + other terrestrial wildlife

• scenic vistas + recreation opportunities