2.5.4

Mangrove Swamps

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Mangrove Swamps

Mangrove swamps are like forests on the coastline. They are groups of salt tolerant trees and plants living in a coastal zone.

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Description

  • Mangrove swamps are found in tropical or subtropical locations.
  • They give coastlines protection from storm waves and tsunamis.
  • There are about 80 varieties of mangrove trees. Around 60 species live between the high/low tide mark (intertidal zone).
  • They are good areas for young fish to hide as they grow into adults.
  • They trap sediment from land.
  • They provide shelter for wildlife, e.g. crocodiles and birds like brown pelicans who nest in them.
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Conditions for growth 1

  • They need to be on coastlines in warm seas or river estuaries.
  • They need to be in tropical, subtropical or warm waters of temperatures greater than 19oC.
  • They cannot tolerate sub-zero temperatures, or when temperatures fluctuate by more than oC.
    • This means they need a stable temperature.
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Conditions for growth 2

  • They need muddy waters or a soft muddy coastline to take root (grow through roots).
  • They need calm conditions (although they can survive coastal storms when they are grown).
  • They need tides to fluctuate (change).
    • They need the tides to bring in new food and remove waste products.
  • They need to have little competition.
    • The reason mangroves live in saltwater is because they tend to lose out to stronger plant types if they live in freshwater.

Jump to other topics

1Paper 1 - Changing River Environnments

2Paper 1 - Changing Coastal Environments

3Paper 1 - Changing Ecosystems

4Paper 1 - Tectonic Hazards

5Paper 1 - Climate Change

6Paper 2 - Changing Populations

7Paper 2 - Changing Towns & Cities

8Paper 2 - Development

9Paper 2 - Changing Economies

10Paper 2 - Resource Provision

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