What is an Estuary?

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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.


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