A study on Mangrove Ecosystems
A Study on Mangrove Ecosystems
Ecosystems are very delicate mechanisms, and the mangroves are particularly fragile.
Mangroves rely on a multifaceted interface comprising of their land position, rainfall hydrology, sedimentation, subsidence, sea level, storms, pest-predator relationships and many other biogeochemical and environmental factors. Any one of these interactions becoming skewed or unsettled can lead to a rapid decline in the numbers of the mangroves in any environment.
A relatively simple example of this would be to project the effects of having a sudden decrease in the pH levels of the water and soil surrounding the mangroves. This could easily occur due to pollution and improper disposal of waste products. At lower pH levels (more acidic environments), the mangroves will begin to be poisoned. Aside from the obvious corrosive properties of having an acidic environment, elements such as manganese and aluminium can become available in toxic quantities. This can stunt the root growth of the mangroves and interfere with the plant’s uptake of vital nutrients.
1.1. pH Levels – Reasons for this are mentioned in the previous question.
1.2. Soil Fertility – If the soil does not have the necessary nutrients and resources necessary to maintain a healthy ecosystem, then there lies the problem
1.3. Salt levels in Water – An excess of salt in the water can cause the mangroves to lose excessive amounts of water, and dehydrate fairly quickly. This would lead to the unsustainability of plant life in the area, the mangroves in particular.
1.4. Average Wind Speeds – A high wind speed can hinder the growth and development of mangroves, as well as uproot them at particularly high velocities. Additionally,
Mangrove seeds may be being carried by the wind for excessive distances, causing them to land in inappropriate environmental conditions, thus leading to a decline in the number of new mangroves.
1.5. Availability of Water – A large volume of water is particularly vital to
Ecosystems are very delicate mechanisms, and the mangroves are particularly fragile.
Mangroves rely on a multifaceted interface comprising of their land position, rainfall hydrology, sedimentation, subsidence, sea level, storms, pest-predator relationships and many other biogeochemical and environmental factors. Any one of these interactions becoming skewed or unsettled can lead to a rapid decline in the numbers of the mangroves in any environment.
A relatively simple example of this would be to project the effects of having a sudden decrease in the pH levels of the water and soil surrounding the mangroves. This could easily occur due to pollution and improper disposal of waste products. At lower pH levels (more acidic environments), the mangroves will begin to be poisoned. Aside from the obvious corrosive properties of having an acidic environment, elements such as manganese and aluminium can become available in toxic quantities. This can stunt the root growth of the mangroves and interfere with the plant’s uptake of vital nutrients.
1.1. pH Levels – Reasons for this are mentioned in the previous question.
1.2. Soil Fertility – If the soil does not have the necessary nutrients and resources necessary to maintain a healthy ecosystem, then there lies the problem
1.3. Salt levels in Water – An excess of salt in the water can cause the mangroves to lose excessive amounts of water, and dehydrate fairly quickly. This would lead to the unsustainability of plant life in the area, the mangroves in particular.
1.4. Average Wind Speeds – A high wind speed can hinder the growth and development of mangroves, as well as uproot them at particularly high velocities. Additionally,
Mangrove seeds may be being carried by the wind for excessive distances, causing them to land in inappropriate environmental conditions, thus leading to a decline in the number of new mangroves.
1.5. Availability of Water – A large volume of water is particularly vital to
Bibliography: IUCN, 2010, "Mangrove Forests in Worldwide Decline" https://www.iucn.org/news_homepage/?5025/Mangroveforestsinworldwidedecline Hong Yong, 2010, "The Loss of Species: Mangrove Extinction RIsk and Geographic Areas of Global Concern" Lee Reich, 2014, "Four Things You Need To Know About Soil pH" http://www.finegardening.com/fourthingsyouneedknowaboutsoilph Wikipedia, 2014, "Mangrove" Marine Education Society of Australasia, 2014, "Animals of the Mangroves" http://www.mesa.edu.au/mangroves/mangroves05.asp Prof. K. Kathiresan, 2014, "Threats to Mangroves" P. Adam, 2014, "Case Study 17.1 Mangroves and Saltmarsh Communities" Conservation International, 2010, "Mangrove Forests in Worldwide Decline" Krauss, 2013, "Mangrove Expansion and Salt Marsh Decline at Mangrove Poleward Limits"