mangrove roots
Stilted coastal tangles
The roots of mangrove trees, which grow in distinctive patterns above water and mud in coastal tropical environments.
Mangrove roots anchor the tree in shifting sediment while allowing it to breathe in oxygen-poor conditions.
They form dense tangles that shelter marine life and protect shorelines from erosion: Fish darted among the mangrove roots.
The exposed root systems have become iconic images of tropical coastlines.
- aerialElevated, or signal-catcher
- above waterNot submerged, financially viable
- propSupport or stage item
- stiltPole for elevated walking
- tangledTwisted confusedly together
tangled web · muddy · estuarine · brackish · salt water · oysters · crabs · nursery · tidal · tidal zone · submerged · gnarled · anchoring · sediment · swamp · coastal · coastal wetland · filtration