Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
Mechanical/chemical
deflocculation promotes
sediment export
Organic litter
production
(leaves, twigs,
branches)
Iron/carbonate
nodules form
under oxidizing
conditions
Saltwater
flocculation of
clay/silt
particles
Suspended sediment
adheres to mucus on
water surface-exported
by ebb-tides
Bioturbation by
crabs, worms,
crustaceans
Sediment trapping
by microbial mats
on soil/roots
MHW
MLW
Pelletization
of sediment
by detritivores
Settling of flocculated
sediment promoted by
vegetation-induced friction
Decomposition
of organic material
by detritivores and
bacteria
Groundwater flow
influences soil
chemistry
Increased
water flow
through
burrows
Flood-tide
transport of
suspended
sediments
Sheet
erosion
Oysters
Bank
erosion
Foraminifera
Flood- and ebb-tide,
and fluvial driven
sediment transport
Secondary circulation
promotes flow separation
- fine sediments deposited
on upper banks
Gastropods
Transport/reworking pathways
Production pathways
Infaunal/epifaunal
sediment contributors
Rapid dissolution of
skeletal material in
acidic pore waters
Bivalves
Fig. 9.11
Schematic diagram illustrating the main sediment sources and transport pathways within mangrove environments. MHW, mean high water; MLW, mean low water.
