Zooxanthellae

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

Glossary of Terms

Detritus

The particulate, organic remains and waste of organisms. It constitutes a major food source in marine ecosystems.

Wave Rose

Diagram showing the long-term distribution of wave height and direction.

Coastal Zone Management

The integrated and general development of the coastal zone. Coastal Zone Management is not restricted to coastal defense works, but includes also coastal development in economical, ecological and social terms.

Sediment Transport

The main agencies by which sedimentary materials are moved are: gravity (gravity transport); running water (rivers and streams); ice (glaciers); wind; the sea (currents and longshore drift). Running water and wind are the most widespread transporting agents. In both cases, three mechanisms operate, although the particle size of the transported material involved is very different, owing to the differences in density and viscosity of air and water. The three processes are: rolling or traction, in which the particle moves along the bed but is too heavy to be lifted from it; saltation; and suspension, in which particles remain permanently above the bed, sustained there by the turbulent flow of the air or water.

Crest

Highest point on a beach face, breakwater, or seawall.

Littoral Transport

The movement of beach material in the littoral zone by waves and currents. Includes movement parallel (longshore drift) and sometimes perpendicular (cross-shore transport) to the shore; Also referred to as littoral drift.

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Zooxanthellae