Geology
This type of estuary is created when a river valley is drowned and merges with the ocean.
What is a coastal plain estuary?
Strong tidal currents mix fresh water and salt water, creating salinity from top to bottom
What is a vertically mixed estuary?
mixing of fresh water and salt water
What is BRACKISH?
When a glacial valley is flooded by the sea...
What is a Fjord?
balance between river flow and tides, creating distinct layers
What is partially mixed estuary?
Constant shifts in tides cause constant shifts in salinity & water levels
What is Dynamic Environment?
created when land sinks into the sea...
What is a tectonic estuary?
Strong river flow dominates with a wedge that pushes up the estuary and has salty bottom water
What is a salt wedge estuary?
When barrier islands, peninsulas, and salt marshes protect an estuary...
What is a SHELTERED LOCATION?
created when sandbars and islands create barriers between fresh water and sea water...
What are bar-built estuaries?
amount of salt in water...
What is SALINITY?
High levels of fish, shellfish, and waterfowl are available...
What is HIGH PRODUCTIVITY?
created when river mouth sediment builds up...
What is a delta system estuary?
A partially enclosed body of water where fresh water from rivers mixes with salty ocean waters...
What is an ESTUARY?
Type of layering in any estuary...
What is STRATIFICATION?