How does temperature affect seagrass growth?
Seagrasses can grow in tropical areas, but they can begin to dry out at temperatures above 91 to 93 degrees F. For seagrasses that have a buried rhizome, poor thermal conductivity of the sediments is an effective buffer against short-term temperature increases. Continued heating raises the sediment temperature to lethal levels for seagrasses. Even though too much sunlight may harm seagrass, they still need light. The hotter it is the murkier the water can get. Cooler weather can help the seagrass because the temperature range is not as high and the water is less murky. Seagrass cannot grow where it might dry out at low tide, so they thrive more in shallow coastal waters where there is shelter from drying winds, wave action, and strong currents. It stays away from strong currents mostly because the currents cause muddy water. This therefore can cause the sun to be blocked. In general, seagrasses grow in the warmer summer months and die back in the winter. In the fall, you will see more
