Coastal Ecosystems Flashcard

Front

What is a coast?

Back

A coast is the general area where land and water meet, not a specific boundary.

Front

What is the difference between kelp and seagrass?

Back

Kelp is a type of algae (seaweed), while seagrass is a flowering plant.

Front

What type of coastline is Florida known for?

Back

Florida has a depositional coastline where coastal features like barrier islands are formed from sediment buildup.

Front

How does salinity change in an estuary?

Back

Salinity in an estuary changes with tides, rain, and river input.

Front

Why are seagrass meadows, kelp forests, and mangrove forests important?

Back

They make excellent nurseries for young wildlife by providing hiding places from predators.

Front

What is an estuary?

Back

An estuary is a coastal area where freshwater from rivers meets and mixes with saltwater from the ocean.

Front

What role do mangroves play in coastal ecosystems?

Back

Mangroves provide habitat for wildlife, protect shorelines from erosion, and filter pollutants.

Front

What is blue carbon?

Back

Blue carbon refers to carbon captured by oceanic and coastal ecosystems, particularly mangroves, seagrasses, and salt marshes.

Front

What are barrier islands?

Back

Barrier islands are coastal landforms that protect the mainland from waves and storms, formed by sediment deposition.

Front

How do tides affect coastal ecosystems?

Back

Tides influence salinity, nutrient availability, and the distribution of organisms in coastal ecosystems.