Estuaries: An Overview
An estuary is a semi-enclosed coastal body of water where freshwater from rivers meets and mixes with saltwater from the ocean, creating brackish water. They are often found at river mouths, such as where the Savannah River meets the Atlantic Ocean in Georgia.
Estuaries are incredibly important ecosystems and are often referred to as the “nurseries of the sea” because:
They support phytoplankton, which play a key role in the food chain.
They provide safe habitats for fish, birds, and wildlife to raise their young.
They filter pollutants and sediments, improving water quality.
They help buffer the land and ocean, reducing damage from flooding and storm surges.
Types of estuaries based on geological features:
Coastal Plain Estuaries – Shallow, gently sloping valleys (e.g., Tampa Bay).
Bar-Built Estuaries – Formed by sandbars along the coast.
Fjords – Long, narrow, and deep estuaries carved by glaciers.
Tectonic Estuaries – Created by land sinking due to tectonic activity (e.g., San Francisco Bay).
Estuaries are vital environments where land and sea come together, supporting biodiversity and protecting coastlines.
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