Exploring Estuary Dynamics and Functions

What defines an estuary?

• An open ocean area

• A large body of freshwater only

• A partially enclosed body of water where freshwater mixes with saltwater

• A fully enclosed body of saltwater

Which area in North Carolina is known for its estuaries?

• Wilmington

• Raleigh

• Charlotte

• Asheville

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Why are estuaries considered 'nurseries of the sea'?

• They are breeding grounds for all sea creatures

• They are the only place where fish can lay eggs

• They provide shelter from predators

• Most fish and shellfish spend the beginning of their lives there

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What percentage of fish and shellfish spend part of their lives in an estuary?

• 25-30%

• 90-95%

• 75-80%

• 40-50%

What is the primary reason estuaries are important for fish and shellfish?

• They provide unlimited food sources

• They offer protection and a rich habitat for the beginning of their lives

• They have no predators

• They are the only places where saltwater and freshwater mix

What is brackish water?

• Pure freshwater

• Pure saltwater

• Water with no living organisms

• A mixture of freshwater and saltwater

Why is the salinity level important in estuaries?

• It influences the speed of water flow

• It is crucial for the survival of young marine life

• It affects the temperature of the water

• It determines the color of the water

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What causes the salinity in estuaries to be lower than in the ocean?

• The presence of barrier islands

• The mixing of freshwater from rivers and saltwater from the ocean

• Lower temperatures in estuaries

• Higher rainfall in estuary regions

How do estuaries filter pollution?

• By evaporating polluted water

• Using man-made filters installed at river mouths

• By trapping pollutants before they reach the ocean

• Through the natural process of sedimentation

What impact do humans have on estuaries?

• They increase the salinity levels

• They enhance the biodiversity of estuaries

• They contribute to pollution and habitat destruction

• They have no significant impact

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