1.3 Preconditions for Living and Working at the Coast
5
These short-time changes are superimposed by long-term morphological changes. Additionally, humans interfere in past centuries with the morphological development of coasts.
In accordance with the abiotic changes the ecological change occur. Animals and
plants adapted or have to adapt to this changing environment, for example, the semidiurnal change of salt concentration due to the tides or wet and dry conditions.
1.2.3 Highly Productive Area
The connection to nutrient-rich systems like the ocean and the estuaries coasts benefit from
that input. For example, the biological productivity of the Wadden Sea is estimated as high
as in rain forests. Millions of migratory birds visit on their flyways the Wadden Sea to rest
and feed.
On the other hand, former salt marshes were reclaimed first to enlarge the area of
influence of an emperor and second to gain highly fertile soil. Today, the highest fertile
soils are found on the marsh lands at the coast.
1.2.4 Open Space
Since mankind settled at the sea an impression of the wild and free ocean accompanies
that feeling. It is an ambivalent feeling dealing with endless possibilities and the fear of
the power of the ocean in times of storm tides. Thorough descriptions can, for example, be
found in Michelet (1861/2006).
1.3 Preconditions for Living and Working at the Coast
When we think of the coast we imagine the current shape and structure as given. Over
a long time men have rebuilt the natural shape of the coastal landscape (Fig. 1.3) of the
Wadden Sea. The natural transition zone between sea and land was built through the tidal
flats and the salt marshes. This gradual transition was supported and self-sustained by
sediment transport through tides, waves and currents. Tidal creeks gravitationally drain
the hinterland.
Many centuries ago men settled in the low-lying coastal area and had to cope with
inhospitable circumstances such as tides and storm tides in winter time and the shortage of fresh water.
1 Nevertheless, starting with the first settlers the colonization of the
coast began. Commonly supposed the first settlers were peasants either growing sheep or
cattle or excavating saline soil for selnering.
2 What about the basic pre-conditions that a
colonization took place and was successful?
1 Find a brief description on p. 79 and in respective literature.
2 See p. 80.
5
These short-time changes are superimposed by long-term morphological changes. Additionally, humans interfere in past centuries with the morphological development of coasts.
In accordance with the abiotic changes the ecological change occur. Animals and
plants adapted or have to adapt to this changing environment, for example, the semidiurnal change of salt concentration due to the tides or wet and dry conditions.
1.2.3 Highly Productive Area
The connection to nutrient-rich systems like the ocean and the estuaries coasts benefit from
that input. For example, the biological productivity of the Wadden Sea is estimated as high
as in rain forests. Millions of migratory birds visit on their flyways the Wadden Sea to rest
and feed.
On the other hand, former salt marshes were reclaimed first to enlarge the area of
influence of an emperor and second to gain highly fertile soil. Today, the highest fertile
soils are found on the marsh lands at the coast.
1.2.4 Open Space
Since mankind settled at the sea an impression of the wild and free ocean accompanies
that feeling. It is an ambivalent feeling dealing with endless possibilities and the fear of
the power of the ocean in times of storm tides. Thorough descriptions can, for example, be
found in Michelet (1861/2006).
1.3 Preconditions for Living and Working at the Coast
When we think of the coast we imagine the current shape and structure as given. Over
a long time men have rebuilt the natural shape of the coastal landscape (Fig. 1.3) of the
Wadden Sea. The natural transition zone between sea and land was built through the tidal
flats and the salt marshes. This gradual transition was supported and self-sustained by
sediment transport through tides, waves and currents. Tidal creeks gravitationally drain
the hinterland.
Many centuries ago men settled in the low-lying coastal area and had to cope with
inhospitable circumstances such as tides and storm tides in winter time and the shortage of fresh water.
1 Nevertheless, starting with the first settlers the colonization of the
coast began. Commonly supposed the first settlers were peasants either growing sheep or
cattle or excavating saline soil for selnering.
2 What about the basic pre-conditions that a
colonization took place and was successful?
1 Find a brief description on p. 79 and in respective literature.
2 See p. 80.