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
editHigh 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
editAnimals that live in these forests include foxes, deer, rabbits, tree frogs, raccoons, toads, and painted buntings.
Places
editSome 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.