Mudflats

Mudflats, or also known as tidal flats, are coastal wetlands that form when mud is deposited by tides or rivers. They are found in sheltered areas such as bays, lagoons, and estuaries. Mudflats may be viewed geologically as exposed layers of bay mud, resulting from deposition of estuarine silts, clays and marine animal detritus. Most of the sediment within a mudflat is within the intertidal zone, and thus the flat is submerged and exposed approximately twice daily.  Mudflats dissipate wave energy very effectively and therefore are an excellent tidal defense against eroding saltmarsh, damaging coastal defenses and flooding low-lying land. Mudflats may also be important for pollution sequestration, as the organic material draws in pollutants and they may therefore contain large concentrations of heavy metals. Mudflats have high biological productivity but low diversity.