1. Coastal Ecosystems: Physical aspects
Key Idea 2.4/2.5
Coastal Ecosystems: Physical aspects
Coastal Ecosystems
Coasts
Lesson 1 of 4

2. Lesson Objectives Define the terms ‘ecosystem’ and ‘biodiversity.’
Describe the characteristics, distribution and biodiversity of coral reefs, mangroves, sand dunes and salt marshes.
Explain the physical factors that affect the distribution of coastal ecosystems.

3. CORAL REEFS
MANGROVES
Coastal Ecosystems
SALT MARSH
SAND DUNES

4. Key Definitions Ecosystem – Biodiversity -
A living community of plant and animals sharing an environment with non-living elements such as climate and soil.
The number and variety of organisms found within a specified geographic region.

5. Coral Reefs

6. Distribution of ecosystems Characteristics Biodiversity
What you need to know
Distribution of ecosystems Characteristics Biodiversity

7. CORAL REEFS CHARACTERISTICS
Use this information and video clip to describe the characteristics of coral reefs in a few sentences.

8. Distribution of coral reefs
Page 44

9. Describe the distribution
Complete your blank world map showing the distribution of coral reefs.
Describe the distribution.
Pattern – Coral reefs are located ...
Data/Examples – Near to countries, such as…
Anomaly – There are no coral reefs in …

10. They are here because… Explain
Warm waters (between 18°C-27°C all year round)
Clear water (no sediment)
No pollution
Water less than 25 metres deep
Sunlight
Salinity – they only survive in salt water
Good wave action adds oxygen to the water and provides it’s food.

11. Biodiversity
Watch the video clip and list names of plant, e.g. algae, and animal species e.g. nurse shark, found in coral reefs, listen for data.
Coral reefs cover less than 0.2% of our oceans but they contain 25% of the world's marine fish species!

12. They support 25% of marine species (about 1 million species of plants and animals)
Act as natural recycling agent for carbon dioxide from sea and atmosphere
VALUE – copy 3 of these
They provide important fishing grounds
The global value of coral reefs in terms of coastal protection, fishing and tourism has been estimated at $375 billion.
They form as a natural barrier against tropical storms and even tsunamis (they can absorb energy).
Many species are being found to contain compounds useful in medicine.
They contribute material to the formation of beaches (eroded coral reef)
They benefit the tourism industry because many people like to dive and snorkel over coral reefs
They are source of raw material (coral for jewellery and ornaments)
They protect coastlines from erosion

13. Rising sea levels mean that the depth of water above coral reefs is increasing. This means that in the future many coral reefs will not receive enough sunlight to survive.
Pollution. The growth of urban settlements and tourist developments, as well as increased coastal traffic can also cause pollution to reefs.
Increases in the global climate means that many corals are being bleached. Coral reefs are extremely sensitive to changes in temperature and can bleach (die and turn white) even with only small increases.
Hurricanes. Although coral reefs act as a natural defence against tropical storms, they can be severely damaged during tropical storms.
Deforestation. As areas of land are deforested, especially in the tropics (Indonesia, Thailand, Philippines) there is greater surface run-off and more sediment enters the rivers and is ultimately discharged into the sea. The increased sediment reduces visibility and means less sunlight reaches the coral.
Fishing techniques like dynamite, cyanide and trawling can damage corals. Corals are sensitive and take hundreds and thousands of years to grow.
Tourism. Tourism can damage reefs in many ways. Anchors from tourist boats can damage reefs. Motor boat engines can kill animals. Divers can touch and damage coral and tourist developments can release pollution.
Overfishing.
Marine trade. There are many products, like coral, turtle shells, star fish and sea shells that get removed from corals and sold. This removal of coral and animals damage the reefs
THREATS – Draw one annotated sketch to show as many threats to coral reefs as possible.

14. Create a poster of a coral reef.
Homework
Create a poster of a coral reef.
Include the following information:
Distribution of coral reefs
Conditions for growth
Biodiversity found e.g. Coral reefs cover less than 0.2% of our oceans but they contain 25% of the world's marine fish species!
Example of a famous reef
Include images. Preferably hand drawn.
What threatens coral?
Optional…. Types of coral reef