What is an Estuary?
decomposers
Bacteria and fungi that break down dead grasses into small particles, or detritus.
channels
Fresh water, rivers, and streams leading to an estuary.
biotic
Living parts of the estuary habitat. Ex. Plants, animals, bacteria
salt marsh
Low, flat, spongy areas made of peat soil covered with grasses that grow in the salt water.
abiotic
Non-living parts of the estuary habitat. Ex. Water, temperature, soil
point source pollution
Sources of pollution you can see. Ex. Waste water coming out of a pipe into a river.
Shelter in the estuary
1. Inside their own shells 2. Dig holes in sand at low tide 3. In grasses of salt marsh
Four parts of an estuary
1. channels 2. salt marshes 3. barrier beaches 4. marginal areas
Types of Estuaries
1. drowned river valley 2. delta 3. lagoon
brackish water
A mixture of salt and fresh water.
estuary
A partially enclosed coastal body of water where the river and the ocean meet.
peat soil
A rich, spongy soil found in the salt marsh.
river basin
A river basin is the land that water flows across or under on its way to a river.
barrier beach
A sandy area that protects the estuary from storms and waves. Ex. Jennings Beach
marginal area
Borders inland sides of the estuary. Provides food and shelter for animals. Ex. Trees, bushes
detritus
Decaying plants and animals. It is a food source for many animals in the estuary.
consumers
Eat other animals/plants. Ex. crabs
producers
Plants that make their own food.
non-point source pollution
Pollution that cannot be linked to a specific source. Ex. Pesticides that contaminate runoff that flows into the river
salinity
The amount of salt in the water.
watershed
The land, rivers and streams that provide vital nourishment and fresh water for an estuary.
