South Florida Aquatic Environments
Mangroves
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| IMPACTS ON MANGROVES: NATURAL
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Hurricane Making Landfall
courtesy South Florida Water Management District |
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Natural Impacts on Mangroves Include:
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Flooding
Mangroves are specially adapted to high salinities and temperatures, tidal changes, and anaerobic sediments. These same adaptations make them somewhat vulnerable to natural stresses. The aerial roots are especially sensitive to long periods of flooding. If these specialized roots are covered for extended periods of time by sediments or water, the mangroves may die due to lack of oxygen to the plant tissues.
Hurricanes
Powerful storms and hurricanes may also severely damage mangrove habitats. Winds, waves, and flooding may be destructive enough to clear entire mangrove islands.
Hurricane Floyd 1999
courtesy NASA
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