GCSE geography - Coastal influnces and ecosystems

How does coastal management influence the coast?

It reduces erosion and flooding; protects homes and infrastructure.

What negative effects can coastal management have?

It can interrupt longshore drift, increase erosion elsewhere, and cause habitat loss.

How does fishing influence the coast?

It provides food and jobs; sustainable quotas protect stocks.

What negative impacts does overfishing have on the coast?

It reduces biodiversity; trawling damages the seabed; bycatch occurs.

How does agriculture influence the coast?

It supports local food production and economies.

What negative effects does agricultural runoff have on coastal ecosystems?

Fertiliser runoff causes eutrophication; land reclamation destroys wetlands.

How does tourism influence the coast?

It creates jobs and income; can fund conservation.

What negative impacts can tourism have on the coast?

It can cause litter and sewage pollution, dune erosion, and traffic noise.

How does urban development influence the coast?

It provides housing, transport, and services for coastal populations.

What negative effects can urban development have on coastal areas?

It can lead to habitat destruction, increased flood risk, and more pollution.

How does energy influence the coast?

Renewable energy reduces carbon emissions.

What negative effects can energy production have on coastal ecosystems?

Wind farms affect wildlife; oil spills and thermal water pollution occur.

How does vegetation stabilize the coast?

Roots hold sand and soil together, reducing erosion.

How does vegetation reduce wave and wind energy?

It acts as a natural barrier, slowing wind and waves.

How does vegetation provide habitat on the coast?

It creates ecosystems for birds, insects, and marine life.

What happens when vegetation is removed from coastal areas?

Dunes collapse, erosion increases, flood risk rises, and habitat loss occurs.

How does sea level rise influence the coast?

It increases coastal flooding and erosion; saltwater deposits create new habitats.

Where are coral reefs found?

In warm, shallow tropical seas, usually between 30°N and 30°S of the equator.

What are the key features of coral reefs?

They are biodiverse ecosystems built by coral polyps that protect coastlines.

Where are mangroves found?

In tropical and subtropical coastlines, sheltered tidal areas, estuaries, and lagoons.

What are the key features of mangroves?

They are salt-tolerant trees that stabilize sediment and provide habitat.

Where are sand dunes found?

In coasts with abundant sand and strong onshore winds, usually behind beaches.

What are the key features of sand dunes?

They are mounds of sand stabilized by vegetation that protect inland areas.

Where are salt marshes found?

In sheltered low-energy coasts, estuaries, and behind mudflats in temperate regions.

What are the key features of salt marshes?

They are flat, muddy areas colonized by salt-tolerant plants that support biodiversity.

How does pH affect coastal vegetation?

Most coastal plants prefer neutral to slightly alkaline soils for nutrient absorption.

What are the abiotic characteristics of the Great Barrier Reef?

Warm, clear, shallow water; saline ocean water; strong sunlight; stable tropical climate.

What are the biotic characteristics of the Great Barrier Reef?

Includes corals, algae, various fish species, marine invertebrates, and sea turtles.

How does industrialisation threaten small-scale coastal ecosystems?

Pollution kills plants and small animals; oil spills reduce biodiversity.

How does industrialisation threaten large-scale coastal ecosystems?

Coastal development destroys mangroves and coral reefs; thermal pollution harms reefs.

How do agricultural practices threaten small-scale coastal ecosystems?

Runoff causes eutrophication and livestock grazing destabilizes sand.

How do agricultural practices threaten large-scale coastal ecosystems?

Deforestation for farmland removes mangroves and runoff affects coral reefs.

How does tourism threaten small-scale coastal ecosystems?

Foot traffic causes vegetation loss and litter pollutes habitats.

How does tourism threaten large-scale coastal ecosystems?

Anchors and diving damage coral reefs; coastal resorts can destroy mangrove forests.

How does deforestation threaten small-scale coastal ecosystems?

Removal of vegetation increases erosion.

How does deforestation threaten large-scale coastal ecosystems?

Clearing mangroves removes natural wave buffers, leading to flooding and habitat loss.