Estuaries, Mudflats, and Salt Marsh Succession

Flashcards covering key concepts related to mudflats and the development of salt marshes through halosere succession, including definitions, processes like flocculation, and successional stages.

Where are mudflats commonly found?

Mudflats are commonly found in river estuaries and sheltered areas, such as behind a spit.

What are the common characteristics of the environment where mudflats develop?

Mudflats develop at the edges of estuaries, are low-energy environments, and have deposition of fine sediments.

What is one key reason for the prevalence of mudflats in estuaries related to sediment transport?

The interaction of the sea and river, where outgoing river water and incoming tides both carry large quantities of fine sediment (clay and silt).

Explain the process of flocculation in the context of mudflat formation.

Flocculation occurs when salt in seawater causes clay particles to stick together due to an electrostatic charge, making them heavier and causing them to sink and be deposited.

What is the initial stage of vegetation growth on mudflats that contributes to salt marsh development?

Low-lying vegetation such as eelgrass and algae begins to grow, slowing down the current further and leading to more deposition.

What type of plants are pioneer species in salt marsh development, and what is a key characteristic?

Pioneer plants are halophytes (e.g., cordgrass) which are salt tolerant and can withstand periodic submergence at high tide.

How do pioneer plants aid in the physical development of a salt marsh?

Their root systems bind the mud together, and their stems further slow the velocity of the water, promoting more sediment deposition and land rise.

What changes occur in the soil and vegetation as a salt marsh matures beyond the pioneer stage?

The level of mud rises, cordgrass is succeeded by other plants forming a dense mat, dead organic matter builds up the surface, soil fertility improves, and salinity reduces.

What is the final stage of salt marsh development, known as halosere succession?

As the land rises above sea level, rushes and reeds become established, rainwater washes salt out of the soil, eventually leading to a climax community of shrubs and trees (marsh uplands).