Since the 1990s, biogeomorphology has developed as an established research field examining the interrelationship between organisms and geomorphic processes in a variety of environments, both marine, and terrestrial.Naylor, Larissa A. (2005) ''The contribution of biogeomorphology to the emerging field of geobiology. Palaeogeography, Palaeoclimatology, and Palaeoecology,'' 219(1-2):35-51 Coastal biogeomorphology looks at the interaction between marine organisms and coastal geomorphic processes.Reed, D.J. (2000), ''Coastal biogeomorphology: an integrated approach to understanding the evolution, morphology, and sustainability of temperate coastal marshes,'' In J.E. Hobbie (Ed.), ''Estuarine science: a synthetic approach to research and practice'' (pp. 347-361) Washington, DC: Island Press Biogeomorphology is a subdiscipline of

geomorphology Geomorphology () is the scientific study of the origin and evolution of topographic and bathymetric features generated by physical, chemical or biological processes operating at or near Earth's surface. Geomorphologists seek to understand wh ...

. This can include not only microorganisms and plants, but animals as well. These interactions are important factors in the development of certain environments like

salt marsh A salt marsh, saltmarsh or salting, also known as a coastal salt marsh or a tidal marsh, is a coastal ecosystem in the upper coastal intertidal zone between land and open saltwater or brackish water that is regularly flooded by the tides. I ...

mangrove A mangrove is a shrub or tree that grows mainly in coastal saline water, saline or brackish water. Mangroves grow in an equatorial climate, typically along coastlines and tidal rivers. They have particular adaptations to take in extra oxygen a ...

and other types of coastal wetlands as well as influencing coastal and shoreline stability.

Main processes

There are three main processes related to biogeomorphology:

bioerosion Bioerosion describes the breakdown of hard ocean substrates – and less often terrestrial substrates – by living organisms. Marine bioerosion can be caused by mollusks, polychaete worms, phoronids, sponges, crustaceans, echinoids, ...

, bioprotection, and bioconstruction.

Bioerosion Bioerosion describes the breakdown of hard ocean substrates – and less often terrestrial substrates – by living organisms. Marine bioerosion can be caused by mollusks, polychaete worms, phoronids, sponges, crustaceans, echinoids, ...

is the erosion of ocean substrates by living organisms. Bioprotection refers to the protection of substrate from various forms erosion by the presence of organisms, and the structures they create (i.e. coral reefs). Finally bioconstruction refers to the physical construction of biological structures on ocean substrate. Marine biota interact with landform processes by building structures, accumulating carbonate sediments, accelerating erosion by boring or

bioturbation Bioturbation is defined as the reworking of soils and sediments by animals or plants. It includes burrowing, ingestion, and defecation of sediment grains. Bioturbating activities have a profound effect on the environment and are thought to be a ...

, and marine plant life contribute to shoreline stability, especially in marsh and wetland environments.Bernal P., and P.M. Holligan (1992). ''Marine and Coastal Systems.'' In J.C.I. Dooge, Gordan Goodman, J.W.M. Riviere, Julia Marton-Lefevre, and Timothy O’Riordan (Eds.), ''An Agenda of Science for Environment and Development into the 21st Century'' (pp. 157-171). Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press.

Role in shoreline stability

The interaction between marine biota and geologic processes is important to shoreline stability, especially in soft sedimentary environments where sediments are more likely to erode away. Benthic and planktonic organisms, as well as shellfish filter, package, and even bind fine sediments together in tidal regions. This action reduces turbidity in the area by solidifying and protecting loose, soft sediments, and thus allowing more colonization by other organisms. If disturbance of these soft sediments occurs, particularly through human interaction such as shellfish harvesting, dredging, or the introduction of toxins, the environment may drastically change. If this occurs, and marine biota are removed from the environment, erosion can occur, or increase, especially in regions prone to wave action and tidal re-suspension.

References

{{coastal geography Biogeomorphology

Main processes

Role in shoreline stability

See also

References