Estuaries

Front

What is an estuary?

Back

An estuary is a coastal area where fresh water from rivers meets and mixes with salt water from the ocean.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

Front

What type of water is found in estuaries?

Back

Brackish water, which is a mix of fresh and salt water.

Front

What is salinity?

Back

Salinity is the amount of salt dissolved in water.

Front

Why are estuaries important to the environment?

Back

Estuaries filter pollutants, prevent erosion, and provide nurseries for marine life.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

Front

What is the hydrosphere?

Back

The hydrosphere includes all of the water in Earth’s oceans, lakes, seas, rivers, glaciers, and the water in the atmosphere.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

Front

How do estuaries support biodiversity?

Back

Estuaries provide habitats for a variety of species, including fish, birds, and invertebrates.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-2

Front

What role do estuaries play in the life cycle of fish?

Back

Estuaries serve as nurseries for many fish species, providing a safe environment for young fish to grow.

Front

What are some human impacts on estuaries?

Back

Pollution, development, and overfishing can harm estuarine ecosystems.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

NGSS.MS-LS2-5

Front

What is the difference between fresh water and salt water?

Back

Fresh water has low salinity, while salt water has high salinity due to dissolved salts.

Front

What is an example of an estuary?

Back

The Chesapeake Bay is an example of an estuary.