Edexcel Igcse Geography. Coastal Ecosystems.

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distribution of mangroves

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· Mangroves are mostcommon in south-east Asia.

· Most mangroves arefound within 30 degrees latitude of the equator (in the tropics)

· A few types ofmangroves have adapted to different climates. Mangroves grow in the intertidalzone on the coastline; they live in a constantly changing environment.

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Adaptations of mangroves

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Each mangrove has afiltration system to keep much of the salt out.

Their complex rootsystem is adapted for survival in the intertidal zone.

Some have snorkel-like roots that stick out of the mud to help them takein air.

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Adaptation of mangroves

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· Some use prop rootsor buttresses to keep their trunks upright in soft sediment.

· Mangroves lock upcarbon in their stems and their leaves which reduces levels of CO2in the atmosphere.

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Mangroves value to the ecosystem

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The carbon stored inmangroves is the first link in the food chain.

Mangroves are astaple diet for over 100000 spotted deer, as well as wild boar, rhesus macaquesand herbivorous birds.

The mangroves attracthoney bees that make honey creating business for honey collectors in localvillages.

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Mangroves value to the ecosystem

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The mangroves are oneof the world’s most important breeding grounds for fish.

Warm seas and richsediments trapped by the mangroves have combined to create one of the world'smost fertile fish nurseries.

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Uses of mangroves

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· Fire wood

· Timber

· Ecotourism

· Protection fromstorms and coastal surges

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Protection of the sundarbans

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· The Bangladeshi partof the sundarbans was declared world heritage site in 1997

· As well as a RAMSAR(wetland of global importance) in 1971.

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Problems in the sundarbans

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· Tiger Poaching,Tigers are often called guardians of biodiversity but they are being poachedfor use in medicine.

· Deer poaching, thetigers feed off the deer and the deer are being poached because it is a localdelicacy in the Sundarbans.

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problems in the sundarbans

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· Climate change andsea level rise

· Reduced River flows,increasing populations, industrialisation and irrigation are all reducing thewater levels in the rivers which is threatening some species.

· Illegal wood cutting

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Distribution of coral reefs

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· Coralgrows best between 23oand 25o

· Coralneeds a minimum temperature of 18o

· Theyare found mainly in the tropics.

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Distribution of coral reefs

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· Lightis needed for coral to grow so it only grows in shallow water

· Becauseof their need for light, most coral reefs grow where the sea is less than 25 metresdeep.

· Coralsneed clear, clean water because sediment in the water blocks light and theirnormal ways of feeding

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Distribution of coral reefs

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· Coralscan only survive in salt water because they are marine creatures.

· Coralsneed well oxygenated salt water, this occurs in places with strong wave action.

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the great barrier reef

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· TheGreat Barrier Reef is the largest coral reef. It is made up of over 2 900individual reefs and 900 islands stretching for over 2 600 kilometres off thenortheast coast of Australia.

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Coral as a living organism

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· Coralreefs are built up entirely of living organisms.

· Reefsare deposits of calcium carbonate made up mainly of corals.

· Ifcorals are exposed to the air for too long they will die

· Coralscan grow 0.3 cm to 10 cm per year

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coral as a living organism

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· Theliving organisms on the coral are called “polyps”

· Onlythe top layer of the coral contains living polyps.

· Coralsare home to about 25% of marine life.

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value of coral reefs to the ecosystem

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· Protectcoastlines by absorbing (dissipating) wave energy.

· Providea safe place for fish to spawn.

· Coralreefs provide a habitat for many living organisms.

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value of coral reefs to the ecosystem

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· Providefood (fish and shellfish) for people.

· Theyare a source of medication—some anti-cancer drugs and painkillers come fromreefs

· AbsorbCO2

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Threats to coral reefs

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· Fertilizerused on farms or home gardens washes into the oceans. The fertilizer createsconditions that make algae increase. The extra algae cover the coral and itdies.

· AsCO2 emissions increase, more CO2 is absorbed into the oceans. This makes thewater more acidic which makes it harder for coral to make their shells.

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Threats to coral reefs

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· Increasedgreenhouse gas emissions are making the water warmer. Coral can’t live in waterthat is too much warmer or colder than 26–27 degrees.

· Dangerousfishing methods, like cyanide or blast fishing, harm and kill coral.