Mangrove Swamps
Geography: Cambridge International GCSE (2027 Exams), topic 2.5.4
Mangrove Swamps
Mangrove swamps are like forests on the coastline. They are groups of salt tolerant trees and plants living in a coastal zone.
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.
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.
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.
Test yourself on Mangrove Swamps
In which locations are mangrove swamps found?
What conditions do mangroves need to grow?