Characteristics of muddy coasts

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  • 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)