Geography - coastal environments: mangroves

mangroves

mangrove definition

A tree or shrub which grows in the inter-tidal zone, coastal swamp, and tropical swamps. Which roots grow above ground forming dense thickets.

why are mangroves important?

• Coastal protection: They act as natural barriers against storm surges, floods, and erosion.

• Biodiversity support: Mangroves provide habitat and breeding grounds for a variety of marine and terrestrial species.

• Carbon sequestration: They capture and store carbon dioxide, helping mitigate climate change.

• Water filtration: Mangroves filter pollutants and improve water quality in coastal areas.

• Economic resources: They support fisheries and tourism, providing livelihoods for local communities.

How do mangroves reproduce?

mangroves reproduce with seeds that germinate on the parent plant, the are called prologues. They then drop and anchor themselves into the sand, and begin the growing process.

mangroves adaptations:

• Prop roots: help the plants stay stabilised and help it receive oxygen.

• Salt regulation: they do this by bringing the salt to their leaves then dropping there leaves, or filtering the seawater from there roots.

• Waxy leaves: to minimise the water loss.

• Propagules: seeds that germinate on the parent plant.

Threats:

• deforestation - Nipa palm farming

• pollution

• Overfishing

• Coastal development

• Climate change

Sustainable management strategies

• educating the community on the importance

• Eco tourism

• Protected areas/zoning

Where are they located?

• banledesh

• Thailand

• Australia

• Singapore

• Brazil