Estuaries
An estuary is a coastal area where fresh water from rivers and streams
mixes with salt water from the ocean. Many bays, sounds, and lagoons along
coasts are . Portions of rivers and streams connected to are
also considered part of the estuary. The land area from which fresh water
drains into the estuary is its watershed. Estuaries come in all shapes and sizes,
each unique to their location and climate. Bays, sounds, marshes, swamps,
inlets, and sloughs are all examples of estuaries.
An estuary is a fascinating place from the largest landscape features to
the smallest microscopic organisms. When viewing an estuary from the air on is
practically amazed by dramatic river bends as ...
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the tides, the days and the years, an estuary is
cradled between outreaching headlands and is buttressed on its vulnerable
seaward side by fingers of sand or mud.
Estuaries transform with the tides, the incoming waters seemingly
bringing back to life organisms that have sought shelter from their temporary
exposure to the non-aquatic world. As the tides decline, organisms return to
their protective postures, receding into sediments and adjusting to changing
temperatures.
The community of life found on the land and in the water includes
mammals, birds, fish, reptiles, shellfish, and plants all interacting within
complex food webs. Flocks of shore birds stilt through the shallows, lunging
long bills at their abundant prey of fish, worms, crabs or clams. Within the
sediments, whether mud, sand or rocks, live billions of microscopic bacteria, a
lower level of the food web based largely on decaying plants.
Estuaries are tidally-influenced ecological systems where rivers meet
the ...
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They are critical for the survival of fish, birds, and other wildlife
because they provide safe spawning grounds and nurseries. Marshes and other
vegetation in the estuaries protect marine life and water quality by filtering
sediment and pollution. They also provide barriers against damaging storm waves
and floods.
Estuaries also have economic, recreational, and aesthetic value. People
love water sports and visit estuaries to boat, fish, swim, and just enjoy their
beauty. As a result, the economy of many coastal areas is based primarily on
the natural beauty and bounty of their estuaries. Estuaries often have ports
serving shipping, transportation, and industry. Healthy ...
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Estuaries. (2007, November 26). Retrieved November 23, 2024, from http://www.essayworld.com/essays/Estuaries/74898
"Estuaries." Essayworld.com. Essayworld.com, 26 Nov. 2007. Web. 23 Nov. 2024. <http://www.essayworld.com/essays/Estuaries/74898>
"Estuaries." Essayworld.com. November 26, 2007. Accessed November 23, 2024. http://www.essayworld.com/essays/Estuaries/74898.
"Estuaries." Essayworld.com. November 26, 2007. Accessed November 23, 2024. http://www.essayworld.com/essays/Estuaries/74898.
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