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The fascinating ecology of mudflats: Why are they the most important wetlands in the world?
Mudflats, or intertidal plains, are coastal wetlands formed in areas deposited by tides or rivers. According to a global analysis published in 2019, mudflat ecosystems are comparable in size to mangroves worldwide, covering at least 127,921 square kilometers of the Earth's surface. Mudflats are common in bays, estuaries, and lagoons, and also occur in freshwater and saltwater lakes, where many rivers and streams meet the sea. In these unique ecosystems, the geology of the mud plains consists of tidally deposited mud and the remains of aquatic animals.
Mudflats support a vast array of wildlife and are critical habitat for tens of millions of migratory birds.
The mudflats are mainly located in the intertidal zone and are flooded and exposed twice a day. According to the latest global remote sensing analysis, it is estimated that about 50% of the world's mudflats are distributed in eight countries, of which Asia has 44% of the mudflat area. These mudflats provide habitat for a wide variety of organisms, including migratory birds, crabs, molluscs and fish, and in the UK, mudflats are even listed as a priority habitat in the Biodiversity Action Plan.
Mudflats are also important in preventing coastal erosion. However, mudflats around the world are threatened by rising sea levels, development, dredging from shipping, and chemical pollution. For example, in the Yellow Sea region of East Asia, the area of mudflats has decreased by more than 65% since the early 1950s. Similarly, it is estimated that about 16% of the world's mudflats have disappeared since the mid-1980s.
The maintenance of mudflat ecosystems is critical to protecting global biodiversity and ecosystem health.
Mudflat sediments are mainly concentrated in the intertidal zone, which consists of barren areas and swamps, where different sedimentary layers are formed by the ratio of sand and mud. The growth of these sediments is closely related to subsidence, sedimentation rates, and sea level changes. The barren areas of the intertidal zone extend into marshes that are often rich in herbaceous vegetation, while the sedimentary layers consist of thin layers of sand and mud, with mud cracks and wavy bed surfaces being common features.
One of the characteristics of mudflats is their variation in different geographic locations and climatic conditions. For example, on Germany's Baltic coast, mudflats are not created by tidal action but by winds driving water toward the sea. This type of wind-affected mudflat is called "Windwatt" in German. In these mudflats, subtle changes in sediments reveal the wonders and mysteries of nature.
Maintaining and protecting mudflats is not only important to local ecosystems, but also critical to the health of the environment as a whole.
Some representative mudflats selected include the Arcachon Bay in France, the Agenquin Bay in Mauritania, the Chamiza wetlands in Chile, the Kuchidare in India, the Belhaven in the United Kingdom, and the Cochin Dewan et al. These areas not only have rich ecological resources, but also attract a lot of scientific research and ecotourism.
With the acceleration of global climate change, mudflats are facing severe challenges. In many places, mudflats are considered useless areas and are developed or even converted into farmland or industrial land. In fact, mudflats play an indispensable role in the ecosystem, supporting the survival and reproduction of many species.
Mudflats are increasingly recognized for their role in biodiversity and environmental health. Many environmental groups and government agencies have begun promoting mudflat protection and restoration programs aimed at rebuilding this important ecosystem. These actions not only raise awareness of mudflat ecology, but also highlight the significance of these areas to global ecosystems.
In the face of the challenges of environmental change, how can we ensure that these important ecosystems can be effectively protected and restored?
