Characteristics of muddy coasts
From Coastal Wiki
- the area exposed to tidal variation is often vegetated by mangrove
- this coast type occurs in tropical climates where rivers supply abundant fine material to coastal zone (CZ)
- wave exposure is normally low to moderate; tidal regime can be any
- connected coast type is often low wetland exposed to flooding
- mangrove constitutes an important part of muddy coast profile, biologically and for stability. Cutting can cause severe problems, decreasing biodiversity and causing erosion and flooding. (p68)
- mixed environments with wave-exposed shores or sandy tidal flats alternating with mud-dominated tidal flats and deeper muddy areas are seen often (and require special management consideration) (p 55-56)
- Silt and clay are not stable in the littoral zone and are washed offshore. If large amounts of fines are supplied, mud flats and mangrove areas may develop (ppt)
