Muddy coasts of the world: Processes, deposits and function / Илистые берега мира: процессы, отложения и функции

SCOR Working Group 106 was established with terms of reference which focused on the dynamics of muddy coasts. The original terms of reference included, inter alia:

review of the oceanographic geomorphic and sedimentary dynamics of muddy coasts;
to assess the impact of sea level rise on the sedimentary evolution of muddy coasts;
to assess the impact of sea level rise on the mangrove forest and salt marshes of muddy coasts; and
to recommend necessary research, data collection, and monitoring for the future management of muddy coastal zones.
The Working Group met in Nanjing, China, in October, 1995 and again in Wilhelmshaven, Germany, in September, 1997. It became clear at the first meeting that the consensus view of the Working Group was that many fundamental processes of muddy coast formation, function, ecosystems, and evolution were but poorly understood, and that to assess the impacts of relative sea level change on muddy coasts would require better understanding of the fundamental physical and biological processes leading to the formation and modification of muddy coast sedimentary, ecological, and physical oceanographic systems. Accordingly, the Working Group decided to address the terms of reference by focussing on a review of the fundamental processes leading to formation and modification of muddy coast, the functioning of the mangrove ecosystems, and to present examples of specific types of muddy coast in a global context. <...>