Environment
Figure 6: Beautiful Andaman Sea Environment
Due to the sea’s conditions in this particular area, the Andaman Sea has a vast range of flora and fauna as shown in figure 6 through to 15. The plants bodies found in these areas helps protect the surrounding islands shores from wind and waves and are a part of the aquatic food chain. Unfortunately many of the vegetation was badly effected by the tsunami that struck the Andaman Sea in 2004, however, the sea is slowly but steadily rebuilding a strong environment for its outstanding flora and fauna to live in.
Two vital inhabitants that cover the sea’s floor are seagrass meadows (covering around 79 kilometres squared) and mangrove forests (which cover over 600 kilometres squared). The efficiency of the marine biome relies heavily upon these two plants, as their roots trap soil and unwanted aquatic particles. They also provide necessary shelter and protection for small aquatic creatures seeking a safe haven from predators.This reef vegetation lines the bottom of the Andaman Sea’s coastal ranges along with sand, pebbles, gravel.
Two vital inhabitants that cover the sea’s floor are seagrass meadows (covering around 79 kilometres squared) and mangrove forests (which cover over 600 kilometres squared). The efficiency of the marine biome relies heavily upon these two plants, as their roots trap soil and unwanted aquatic particles. They also provide necessary shelter and protection for small aquatic creatures seeking a safe haven from predators.This reef vegetation lines the bottom of the Andaman Sea’s coastal ranges along with sand, pebbles, gravel.
The islands off the coasts of Myanmar (Burma) and Thailand, are surrounded by the Andaman sea's beautiful coral reefs. The reefs and islands are also important breeding and feeding grounds for marine animals, especially for endangered turtle species. Although these reefs were barely touched by the Indian Ocean tsunami, the1998 coral bleaching event devastated reefs near the Andaman and Nicobar islands, which until then were some of the most magnificent and flawless reefs on earth. There are many threats to these reefs."...Threats to these reefs include collection of marine life for aquariums, destructive fishing techniques, siltation caused by poorly managed deforestation on some of the islands, and anchor damage from dive boats". (Ocena: 2012) However,by the human race working together to reach a common goal, they can easily be prevented.
Southeast Asian monsoons greatly effect the climate conditions of the Andaman Sea and its neighbours.
The climate of the Andaman Sea is very stable. Both air and water temperatures have a very small range of variation throughout the year. It is mainly 26°C/27°C air temperature, the water's surface temperature is 26°C - 29°C, varying throughout the months and seasons, and below 1,600 metres the Andaman Sea is a constant 4.8°C.Precipitation occurs mainly in summer and can reach as high as 3,000mm/year. Each day, with up to 7.2 metres amplitude, the tide rises twice (semidiurnal). The Andaman Sea is situated on the edge of two tectonic plates. Presently, throughout the sea range there is only one active volcano.This volcano is shown in figure 16 and 17. In 1991, the volcano, found on Barren Island (associated with the Indian subcontinent), resumed activity after almost 200 years and the last eruption was in May 2008. The volcano rises up to 354 metres above sea level and has a 3km diameter.
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Bordering tectonic plates can prove other difficulties as well...