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Glossary of Terms

A current below water surface flowing seaward; the receding water below the surface from waves breaking on a shelving beach. Actually undertow is largely mythical. As the backwash of each wave flows down the beach, a current is formed which flows seaward. However, it is a periodic phenomenon. The most common phenomena expressed as "undertow" are actually rip currents.

Coral Bleaching

A phenomenon in which corals under stress (e.g., by elevated water temperature) expel their symbiotic algae (zooxanthellae) in large numbers, or the concentration of algal photosynthetic pigments decreases. As a result, the corals' white skeletons show through their tissue and they appear bleached.

Zooxanthellae

Unicellular, symbiotic algae living within coral polyps that produce food for their hosts by photosynthesis and help efficiently recycle low-levels of nutrients.

Marsh

A track of soft wet land, usually vegetated by reeds, grasses and occasionally small shrubs.

Soft, wet area periodically or continuously flooded to a shollow depth, usually characterised by a particular subclass of grasses, cattails and other low plants.

Sea Bags

Large sand-filled geotextile tubes used in coastal protection projects.

Port

A place where vessels may discharge or receive cargo; it may be the entire harbour including its approaches and anchorages, or only the commercial part of a harbour where the quays, wharves, facilities for transfer of cargo, docks, and repair shops are situated. Protection may be provided by natural or artificial features.

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