Bays and Estuaries

What is the characteristic feature of estuarine water?

• Consistently freshwater

• Low salinity due to constant rain

• Fluctuating salinity due to mixing of fresh and saltwater

• Extremely high salinity

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

Bays are often characterized by:

• High, dry landscapes

• A deep, narrow inlet of the sea

• Steep mountainous terrain

• Lack of marine life

What distinguishes coastal wetlands from other wetland types?

• Lack of vegetation

• Proximity to the ocean

• High salinity levels

• Frequent droughts

What causes water circulation in estuaries?

• Lack of movement

• Tidal forces and freshwater inflow

• Complete stillness

• High salinity

What is the primary function of mangroves in coastal wetlands?

• They provide a habitat for desert species.

• They help in reducing coastal erosion.

• They contribute to air pollution.

• They have no significant role.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

NGSS.MS-LS2-5

What is the primary role of estuaries in the carbon cycle?

• They have no role in the carbon cycle.

• They release carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.

• They absorb carbon dioxide and store carbon.

• They increase the carbon content in the soil.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

Where the river meets the sea?

• Bay

• Estuary

• Wetland

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

A marine biologist does an investigation into the salinity of bays in Texas to study optimum salinities for oyster reefs. Salinity is measured in parts per thousand(ppt). Based on the data of the biologist, which bay is hypersaline? HINT: Think largest #

• Bay 1

• Bay 2

• Seawater

What is a mixture of of freshwater and saltwater?

• brackish water

• nesting areas for Kemp's Ridley Sea Turtles

• Breeding grounds for tiger sharks

Seagrass...

• Provide nurseries for young organisms and reduce erosion

• are related to algae

• are not effected by ocean currents

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

NGSS.MS-LS2-4