Estuary: Learn about the formation

Learn about the formation, types, components, characteristics, habitats, importance, benefits and threats of estuaries, a coastal zone where freshwater and saltwater mix. Estuaries are rich in biodiversity and provide ecological services, but face human-induced pressures. What is an Estuary? A Coastal Crossroads of Life An estuary is a dynamic and vital coastal ecosystem where freshwater rivers meet and mix with saltwater from the ocean. This unique confluence creates a brackish environment characterized by varying salinity levels, making estuaries incredibly productive habitats for a diverse range of plant and animal life. Understanding Estuaries: The Meeting Place of Rivers and Seas Estuaries are not simply rivers flowing into the ocean; they are complex ... An estuary is a partially enclosed coastal body of brackish water with one or more rivers or streams flowing into it, and with a free connection to the open sea. [1] Geography Estuary An estuary is a partially enclosed body of coastal water where fresh water from rivers and streams mixes with saltwater from the oceans. Estuaries and their surrounding lands are considered places of transition from land to sea. Although influenced by tides, they are also protected from the full force of ocean waves, winds and storms by landforms such as barrier islands or peninsulas. Estuarine environments are among the most productive on earth, creating more organic ...