Coastal Ecosystems
Before we discuss coastal ecosystems, let's make sure we understand what ecosystems are. Regardless of where you find yourself in the world, living and nonliving interact with each other. Together, these two components form an ecosystem. Because all of the elements within an ecosystem are interrelated, these systems can be quite complex, and changing even one element can impact the entire ecosystem in a good or deleterious way.
So what is a coastal ecosystem then? Well, it depends on where you are and who you ask. However, there is more agreement than disagreement on what constitutes a coastal ecosystem.
According to the Woods Hole Institute, "the narrow region where land and ocean meet is among the most dynamic and complex collection of physical and biological systems on Earth. These can include salt marshes, mangroves, wetlands, estuaries, reefs, and bays often linked in an intricate network of physical, chemical, and biological interchanges above and below the water. They are often highly productive, highly valued, and highly accessible, making them a natural intersection between the human and natural worlds.
In addition to their role in the wider marine and terrestrial systems they link to, coastal ecosystems provide a broad range of benefits to humans. They can act as storm barriers and water filters, they are nurseries and habitat for commercially important plants and animals, and they are among the most popular tourist destinations. Coastal systems are also very sensitive to environmental conditions. Small changes in such things as temperature, salinity, nutrient availability, or sediment load, whether natural or human-induced, can have wide-ranging impacts.
So what is a coastal ecosystem then? Well, it depends on where you are and who you ask. However, there is more agreement than disagreement on what constitutes a coastal ecosystem.
According to the Woods Hole Institute, "the narrow region where land and ocean meet is among the most dynamic and complex collection of physical and biological systems on Earth. These can include salt marshes, mangroves, wetlands, estuaries, reefs, and bays often linked in an intricate network of physical, chemical, and biological interchanges above and below the water. They are often highly productive, highly valued, and highly accessible, making them a natural intersection between the human and natural worlds.
In addition to their role in the wider marine and terrestrial systems they link to, coastal ecosystems provide a broad range of benefits to humans. They can act as storm barriers and water filters, they are nurseries and habitat for commercially important plants and animals, and they are among the most popular tourist destinations. Coastal systems are also very sensitive to environmental conditions. Small changes in such things as temperature, salinity, nutrient availability, or sediment load, whether natural or human-induced, can have wide-ranging impacts.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES ABOUT COASTAL ECOSYSTEMS
At the end of the end of this part of our course, students will be able to:
At the end of the end of this part of our course, students will be able to:
- Define and discern the differences between the various types of coastal ecosystems in the world
- Articulate the richness of the biodiversity of the different marine ecosystems and the local and global threats they face.
- Articulate role of blue carbon storage in the Global Carbon Cycle and understand the nuances involved in competing conservation measures.
- Discuss the various ways the US and other governments acquire and capture different types of data from marine ecosystems.
Mangrove Forests
Salt Marshes and tidal freshwater marshes
seagrass BEDS
REEFs
estuaries
Assigned Readings for this part of the trip
- The Economic value of living wetlands intact (Blue Carbon) : 9 minute NOAA podcast
- The role of citizen scientists in monitoring and promoting awareness about humpback whales : 8 minute NOAA podcast
- Reef resilience: 5 minute NOAA podcast
The few hours you spend watching these documentaries will help you understand some of the complex issues we will discuss on the trip. Spend the time, it's worth it!
Other Interesting Resources (not assigned)
- NOAA Podcasts
- NOAA Ocean Videos
- Ocean Currents - various tutorials (very useful)
|
|
|