Estuary Vocab Test

A diverse group of aquatic organisms that have the ability to conduct photosynthesis. They range from single-celled organisms to large multicellular organisms, like seaweeds. They are important because they produce a significant amount of the Earth's oxygen and serve as a food source for many marine organisms.

• Algae

• Plankton

• Orchids

• Mangroves

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

NGSS.MS-LS1-6

Refers to the concentration of dissolved salts in a body of water. It is usually expressed in parts per thousand (ppt).

• Salt March

• Salinity

• Density

• Bouyancy

A partially enclosed, coastal water body where freshwater from rivers and streams mixes with saltwater from the ocean. It's a unique environment that supports diverse habitats and is a vital nesting and feeding ground for many aquatic species.

• Estuary

• Salt Marsh

• River

• Lake

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

NGSS.MS-LS2-2

The process of removing salt and other minerals from saline water (like sea water) to make it suitable for human consumption or irrigation.

• Desalination

• Deforestation

• Oxygenation

• Evaporation

Water that has more salinity than fresh water, but not as much as seawater. It typically occurs when fresh water and seawater mix, such as in estuaries, mangroves, and salt marshes.

• Brackish Water

• Dirty Water

• Rainwater

• Water Runoff

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

A type of coastal wetland ecosystem found in tropical and subtropical regions, characterized by the presence of mangrove trees. These trees are salt-tolerant and have unique adaptations such as aerial roots that allow them to survive in the intertidal zones where they are often submerged by high tides. Mangrove forests play a crucial role in coastal protection, carbon sequestration, and providing habitat for a variety of species.

• Mangrove Forest

• Salt Marsh

• Estuary

• Rain Forest

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

NGSS.MS-LS2-5

A coastal ecosystem in the intertidal zone between land and open saltwater or brackish water that is regularly flooded by the tides. It is dominated by dense stands of salt-tolerant plants such as herbs, grasses, or low shrubs. These plants play a crucial role in its ability to absorb and filter nutrients and heavy metals. They also protect the coastal area from erosion by buffering wave action.

• Salt Marsh

• Mangrove Forest

• Spring Tide

• Pamlico Sound

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

NGSS.MS-LS2-4