Sandy Shore Line Oceans

Unit 4

TOC #10

Ecosystem

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Definition: 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 climate is usually foggy due to the cold water evaporating and moving towards land. 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

The main two plant types that are important are that of grass and seaweed. These two plants produce the necessary Oxygen for the other animals to breath. 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) Abiotic factors: Sun, wind, sand, water, waves and rocks. Biotic factors: people, grass, birds, crabs and insects.

Key Ecosystem Elements

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 they don't belong the animals and plants around them would be killed out faster because the invasive ones are better at staying ahead.

Debbie Downer
Threats to Our Beaches

References
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"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-beachwidth-integrating-ecological-zones-and-function-sandy-beachecosystems>. "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

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MAIN THREAT: HUMANS 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. Sewage overflows can release pathogens or disease causing microorganisms. Pathogens can cause a wide range of health problemsfrom sore throats to meningitis. Coastal Cleanups, where people gather at beaches to collect trash thus reducing its impact on marine life.

What Humans are Doing to Help:

Unit4: Oceans