The Sundarbans
70% of water is salt water. Known for wide range of fauna – 260 bird
species, the Bengal tiger and threatened species – estuarine crocodile
and Indian python.
South Asia
Bangladesh and India (in the south)
Northern Hemisphere
Bay of Bengal – coast of Indian Ocean
Input of sediment is from transportation of the river.
Marine deposition forms the mudflats and mangrove forests.
Erosion removes sediment for the Sundarbans.
The Sundarbans is in dynamic equilibrium because sediment is
transported into the system by the river and eroded from the
system. The river causes more depositions = gradual change
towards this input, rivers and coasts no longer cancel each other
out. Although there may be changes in the amount of sediment
entering/leaving the system, the amount of sediment remains
similar.
Mangroves = a type of forest found in tropical areas; trees have adapted
to living in salt water and grow on mudflats. Act as a natural defence to
storms. Largest bioshield in the world.
Goods = physical items that can be sold, e.g. timber
Services = non-physical items that cannot be sold but we still value, e.g.
oxygen
Goods:
The flat fertile land is ideal for growing crops such as rice.
The ecosystem of the mangroves provides crabs and honey used for
roofing and basket making.
The mangroves provide timber for construction and furniture.
Services:
The mangrove acts as a natural defence against flooding and strong
seas.
The mangroves absorb excess water in monsoon season and reduce
flooding.
Opportunities for development:
A power plant has been proposed to the North of the national park.
Since 2011, cargo ships transport along waterways inland to
Bangladesh.
The Sundarbans attract tourists, mainly to see the mangroves and
wildlife.
, Risks and challenges in the Sundarbans
Risks:
Lack of freshwater – freshwater in the rivers are diverted
upstream for irrigation to supply for agriculture and people living
in this region. Could mean that dynamic equilibrium is lost,
therefore greater threat of erosion and flooding.
Tropical cyclones – storm surges and high winds caused by
cyclones formed over the Indian Ocean can cause flooding, erosion
and damage to the mangrove ecosystem. Damage caused from high
winds and surges can destroy the habitats of animals, and loss of
land could impact housing/farming space for people.
High soil salinity levels – salinity level is higher in mangroves
than freshwater swamp forests located further inland – difficult for
many species to be successful. Limited diversity of species due to
salty conditions, vegetation must be halophytes to be successful.
Rising sea levels – the Sundarbans is a low-lying region. The sea
level is rising due to global warming. Flooding can occur due to
land being 0-2m above sea level, this will be directly impacted by
the 1.5m rise. Could lose dynamic equilibrium.
Challenges:
Accessibility and remoteness – the Sundarbans are a natural
mangrove forests which makes access difficult. There are few roads
and existing ones are poor quality. This could limit development as
cargo ships have used this as a route sine 2011. Hard to trade
(limit cargo ships) and access services. Bangladesh is a developing
country that needs a higher GDP.
Exploitation – the Sundarbans have a population of 4 million
people who rely on the Sundarbans for natural resources.
Overexploitation has negatively impacted biodiversity.
Overexploitation is unsustainable and can’t be continued in the
same way without damage to the natural environment.
70% of water is salt water. Known for wide range of fauna – 260 bird
species, the Bengal tiger and threatened species – estuarine crocodile
and Indian python.
South Asia
Bangladesh and India (in the south)
Northern Hemisphere
Bay of Bengal – coast of Indian Ocean
Input of sediment is from transportation of the river.
Marine deposition forms the mudflats and mangrove forests.
Erosion removes sediment for the Sundarbans.
The Sundarbans is in dynamic equilibrium because sediment is
transported into the system by the river and eroded from the
system. The river causes more depositions = gradual change
towards this input, rivers and coasts no longer cancel each other
out. Although there may be changes in the amount of sediment
entering/leaving the system, the amount of sediment remains
similar.
Mangroves = a type of forest found in tropical areas; trees have adapted
to living in salt water and grow on mudflats. Act as a natural defence to
storms. Largest bioshield in the world.
Goods = physical items that can be sold, e.g. timber
Services = non-physical items that cannot be sold but we still value, e.g.
oxygen
Goods:
The flat fertile land is ideal for growing crops such as rice.
The ecosystem of the mangroves provides crabs and honey used for
roofing and basket making.
The mangroves provide timber for construction and furniture.
Services:
The mangrove acts as a natural defence against flooding and strong
seas.
The mangroves absorb excess water in monsoon season and reduce
flooding.
Opportunities for development:
A power plant has been proposed to the North of the national park.
Since 2011, cargo ships transport along waterways inland to
Bangladesh.
The Sundarbans attract tourists, mainly to see the mangroves and
wildlife.
, Risks and challenges in the Sundarbans
Risks:
Lack of freshwater – freshwater in the rivers are diverted
upstream for irrigation to supply for agriculture and people living
in this region. Could mean that dynamic equilibrium is lost,
therefore greater threat of erosion and flooding.
Tropical cyclones – storm surges and high winds caused by
cyclones formed over the Indian Ocean can cause flooding, erosion
and damage to the mangrove ecosystem. Damage caused from high
winds and surges can destroy the habitats of animals, and loss of
land could impact housing/farming space for people.
High soil salinity levels – salinity level is higher in mangroves
than freshwater swamp forests located further inland – difficult for
many species to be successful. Limited diversity of species due to
salty conditions, vegetation must be halophytes to be successful.
Rising sea levels – the Sundarbans is a low-lying region. The sea
level is rising due to global warming. Flooding can occur due to
land being 0-2m above sea level, this will be directly impacted by
the 1.5m rise. Could lose dynamic equilibrium.
Challenges:
Accessibility and remoteness – the Sundarbans are a natural
mangrove forests which makes access difficult. There are few roads
and existing ones are poor quality. This could limit development as
cargo ships have used this as a route sine 2011. Hard to trade
(limit cargo ships) and access services. Bangladesh is a developing
country that needs a higher GDP.
Exploitation – the Sundarbans have a population of 4 million
people who rely on the Sundarbans for natural resources.
Overexploitation has negatively impacted biodiversity.
Overexploitation is unsustainable and can’t be continued in the
same way without damage to the natural environment.
