Mudflat: meaning, definitions and examples
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mudflat
[ ˈmʌdflæt ]
geographical feature
A mudflat is a coastal area that is covered in mud, typically exposed at low tide. These regions are usually rich in nutrients and serve as important habitats for a variety of wildlife, including wading birds and marine organisms. Mudflats can be found in estuaries, lagoons, and along shorelines. They play a crucial role in the coastal ecosystem by providing breeding grounds and feeding areas for many species.
Synonyms
intertidal zone, mud bank, tidal flat.
Examples of usage
- The birds gathered on the mudflat to feed.
- During low tide, the mudflat was completely exposed.
- We walked along the muddy terrain of the mudflat.
- The mudflat is home to various species of crabs.
Translations
Translations of the word "mudflat" in other languages:
🇵🇹 lamaçal
🇮🇳 कीचड़ का मैदान
🇩🇪 Schlickfläche
🇮🇩 dataran lumpur
🇺🇦 брудна рівнина
🇵🇱 mokra łąka
🇯🇵 泥干潟
🇫🇷 estran vaseux
🇪🇸 playa fangosa
🇹🇷 çamur ovası
🇰🇷 진흙 평야
🇸🇦 سهل الطين
🇨🇿 blátivá plocha
🇸🇰 blatná plocha
🇨🇳 泥滩
🇸🇮 blatni ravnik
🇮🇸 mýrar
🇰🇿 балшық жазықтығы
🇬🇪 ჭუჭყიანი მიწა
🇦🇿 palçıq düzlüğü
🇲🇽 playa fangosa
Etymology
The term 'mudflat' is a compound word derived from 'mud' and 'flat'. The word 'mud' has Old English origins, dating back to the 13th century, where it was used to describe wet, soft earth or soil. 'Flat' derives from Old Norse, meaning a level surface or area. The combination of these two words emerged to describe specific coastal environments characterized by soft, muddy grounds that are occasionally submerged. The recognition of mudflats as vital ecological zones has increased since the late 20th century, as environmental scientists have studied their important role in supporting biodiversity and mitigating coastal erosion.