Maritime forest
A maritime forest is an ocean coastal wooded habitat found on higher ground than dune areas within range of salt spray.[1] They can be found along the Atlantic and Pacific Northwest coasts of the United States.[2][3] The maritime forests of the southeast U.S. are often laurel forests. They can also be found in areas of South-East Asia, for example Chek Jawa, a wetland reserve which also features a maritime forest as one of the independent ecosystem.
Flora[edit]
High winds, salt spray, and sandy soil provide a harsh environment for plant life. Maritime forests are composed of deciduous, coniferous, and broadleaf evergreens. Trees in maritime forests include the southern sugar maple,[4] swamp dogwood,[4] mockernut hickory,[4] white ash,[5] and the white poplar.[6] Many plants in the maritime forests have a natural waxy coating to protect them from the salt spray. Most of the plants found in maritime forests are evergreens and shrubs.
Fauna[edit]
Animals that live in these forests include foxes, deer, rabbits, tree frogs, raccoons, toads, and painted buntings.
Places[edit]
Some places where maritime forests can be found are: Bald Head Island (North Carolina), Necochea (Argentina), Jekyll Island (Georgia), and on almost all barrier islands, such as the Currituck Banks Reserve[7] in the Outer Banks of North Carolina.[8]
References[edit]
- ^ "Key Word Glossary". bay link. Archived from the original on 22 October 2009. Retrieved 16 October 2009.
- ^ Hill, K. (16 July 2002). "Maritime Hammock Habitats". Smithsonian Marine Station. Archived from the original on 6 October 2009. Retrieved 16 October 2009.
- ^ Olson, Donald (23 July 2014). The Pacific Northwest Garden Tour. Timber Press. ISBN 9781604694512.
- ^ a b c Russell, Alice B. "Trees of the Maritime Forest (A-E)". North Carolina State University. Archived from the original on 14 June 2010. Retrieved 16 October 2009.
- ^ Russell, Alice B. "Trees of the Maritime Forest (F-J)". North Carolina State University. Archived from the original on 9 July 2010. Retrieved 16 October 2009.
- ^ Russell, Alice P. "Trees of the Maritime Forest (P-Z)". North Carolina State University. Archived from the original on 23 July 2010. Retrieved 16 October 2009.
- ^ "Currituck Banks Reserve". Archived from the original on 2020-10-17. Retrieved 2020-10-15.
- ^ US Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. "What is a maritime forest?". oceanservice.noaa.gov. Archived from the original on 2020-10-17. Retrieved 2020-10-15.