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Biogeomorphology of the Mediterranean Posidonia oceanica seagrass meadows
- Source :
- Earth Surface Processes and Landforms, Earth Surface Processes and Landforms, 2017, 42 (1), pp.42-54. ⟨10.1002/esp.3932⟩
- Publication Year :
- 2017
- Publisher :
- HAL CCSD, 2017.
-
Abstract
- International audience; Here we review the multiple interactions between the endemic Mediterranean seagrass, Posidonia oceanica, and coastal geomorphologic processes as an outstanding example of biogeomorphology, taking into account recent advances in the field. Seagrass meadows are among the most important elements for the functioning of marine coastal ecosystems, and represent a major focus for research and conservation. Being considered a priority habitat, P. oceanica meadows are protected by several European Union directives and national laws. In this paper we examine: the role of sedimentary features in controlling the development of the meadows; the interplay between P. oceanica leaf litter (i.e. beached necromass) cast ashore and erosional-depositional processes on the beaches; the interactions between meadows and nearshore hydrodynamics, and; possible linkages between geomorphological features of the seafloor and the architecture of meadows. Finally, we provide perspectives for future research on P. oceanica and other Mediterranean seagrass meadows in a biogeomorphological context with specific reference to climate change.
- Subjects :
- biogeomorphology
coastal ecosystems
coastal processes
Mediterranean Sea
Posidonia oceanica
Geography, Planning and Development
Earth-Surface Processes
Earth and Planetary Sciences (miscellaneous)
Planning and Development
[SDV.EE.ECO]Life Sciences [q-bio]/Ecology, environment/Ecosystems
Geography
[SDE]Environmental Sciences
[SDU.STU.GM]Sciences of the Universe [physics]/Earth Sciences/Geomorphology
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 01979337 and 10969837
- Database :
- OpenAIRE
- Journal :
- Earth Surface Processes and Landforms, Earth Surface Processes and Landforms, 2017, 42 (1), pp.42-54. ⟨10.1002/esp.3932⟩
- Accession number :
- edsair.dedup.wf.001..8f61f05a0b2907c79ca87007512eec9c