Ecosystem: the Sandy Beach Ecosystem
A beach is a landform along the shoreline of an ocean consisting of rocks in sand/pebble form. They come from biotic and abiotic forms, such as mollusk shells or sedimentary rocks. Characterization: The geography is characterized by four forms: 1) offshore bars, which help protect beaches from erosion. 2) foreshore, which rises from the water toward the crest of the 3) berm which is where 4) dunes form Functions: 1) recipient for processing ecosystems for large subsidies from kelp forests 2) filters of seawater and groundwater and 3) sources of regenerated nutrients to the coastal ocean and nearshore primary producers. |
Key Ecosystem Elements: (http://www2.epa.gov/sites/production/files/documents/ecosystemsandtheirelements.pdf )
<--Diagram of Ecosystem
The main two plant types that are important are that of grass and sea weed. These two plants produce the necessary Oxygen for the other animals to breath. then there is the
The main animals are that of sandy beaches are crabs, birds and depending on where you are you can see sea lions. the animals that live on sandy beaches are more adapted for the sea but they can also come out of the water to play. (caution do not try to play with them they might kill you)
Some scientist say that they are worried about the equilibrium of the natural habitats of many places as tsunamis can carry them to a far and over to San Francisco. Like invasive crabs and seaweed and how they could destroy the natural way of life for some.
If the invasive species were to get swept from somewhere were they don't belong the animals and plants around them would be killed out faster because the invasive ones are better at staying ahead.
Abiotic factors are the Sun, wind, sand, water, waves and rocks.
Picture credits: http://frenchforestgarden.wordpress.com/tag/wind-tunnels/ http://www.uvm.edu/~inquiryb/webquest/sp08/shoffman/ http://www.etftrends.com/2013/01/water-etfs-rally-to-multiyear-highs/ http://www.manuelabadia.com/blog/PermaLink,guid,3579b743-cecb-46a6-9d15-424f3eb971c0.aspx |
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This Grass has a rolled leaf where water vapor can get caught and made to water for it.
The sand crab lives under the sand backwards. and it leaves its antennae out side of the sand for feeding.
Bench Mark #5
Debbie Downer
Every year more the more than 14 billion pounds of trash of tires, cardboard boxes, plastic cups, bottles, cans, and other trash are dumped into the ocean.
Threats to Our Beaches
What people are doing to help
People are cleaning up beaches and making the better for animal life. Coastal Cleanups!! :)
References
Debbie Downer
Every year more the more than 14 billion pounds of trash of tires, cardboard boxes, plastic cups, bottles, cans, and other trash are dumped into the ocean.
Threats to Our Beaches
- Excessive foot traffic can lead to erosion and destruction of vegetation.
- Marine debris, or trash, can come from beachgoers, improper disposal of items on land, and stormwater runoff.
- Marine debris, or trash, can come from beachgoers, improper disposal of items on land, and stormwater runoff.
- Sewage overflows can release pathogens or disease causing microorganisms.
- Pathogens can cause a wide range of health problems—from sore throats to meningitis.
- Sewage overflows can release pathogens or disease causing microorganisms.
- Pathogens can cause a wide range of health problems—from sore throats to meningitis.
What people are doing to help
People are cleaning up beaches and making the better for animal life. Coastal Cleanups!! :)
References
- "Beyond beach width - integrating ecological zones and function of sandy beach ecosystems." 2012 LTER ASM. N.p., n.d. Web. 23 Jan. 2014. <http://asm2012.lternet.edu/content/beyond-beach-width-integrating-ecological-zones-and-function-sandy-beach-ecosystems>.
- "Habitats: Beaches - Characteristics."Oceanography. N.p., n.d. Web. 23 Jan. 2014. <http://www.onr.navy.mil/focus/ocean/hab
- http://www.whitehallboro.org/news/newsThings/stormwaterWaterSheds/CoastPollutionBeachPollutionTheFacts.pdf