mudflat

Mudflat, also called tidal mudflat, is a coastal wetland formed by the accumulation of fine sediments in sheltered intertidal zones. They are exposed at low tide and submerged at high tide, presenting a soft, muddy substrate that is easy to dig into with hands or feet.

Mudflats form where sediment-laden water from rivers mixes with tidal currents in estuaries, bays, and lagoons. The surface is often rich in organic matter, while deeper layers can be waterlogged and low in oxygen. Salinity fluctuates with the tides and with freshwater input, creating a brackish to saline environment that varies seasonally and with weather.

Ecology on mudflats is driven by abundant invertebrates such as worms, mollusks, and crustaceans, which feed on detritus and microalgae. These organisms support large populations of shorebirds and waterfowl that forage during low tide. The flats also contribute to nutrient cycling and provide nurseries for some fish and crustaceans in nearby waters.

Distribution is worldwide, especially along sheltered coastlines, estuaries, and protected bays. Mudflats are valued for their ecological productivity and as feeding grounds for migratory birds. They also support human uses such as shellfisheries and traditional gleaning in some regions.

Threats include habitat loss from land reclamation, dredging, pollution, and climate-driven sea-level rise. Many mudflats fall within protected areas, nature reserves, or Ramsar sites, where management aims to balance conservation with sustainable use and research.