What is driftwood?
Q: What is driftwood?
A: Driftwood is wood that has been washed onto the shore of a sea, river, or lake by winds, tides, waves, or man.
Q: Is driftwood always seen as a nuisance in waterfront areas?
A: Yes, in some waterfront areas, driftwood is a major nuisance.
Q: What benefits does driftwood provide for aquatic species?
A: Driftwood provides shelter and food for birds, fish, and other aquatic species as it floats in the ocean.
Q: What happens to the wood as it decomposes in the ocean?
A: Gribbles, shipworms, and bacteria decompose the wood and gradually turn it into nutrients that are reintroduced to the food web.
Q: How can driftwood benefit the onshore ecosystem?
A: Sometimes, partially decomposed driftwood washes ashore where it shelters birds, plants, and other species. Driftwood can become the foundation for sand dunes.
Q: Can driftwood be caused by man?
A: Yes, driftwood can be caused by man.
Q: Is driftwood valuable only in the ocean?
A: No, driftwood can be a valuable component of the onshore ecosystem.
