Understanding Estuaries

The video introduces estuaries, which are bodies of water where freshwater meets the ocean. It explains their importance as ecosystems, highlighting their role in supporting wildlife and filtering pollutants. The video also covers different types of estuaries, such as coastal plain, tectonic, bar-built, and fjords, with examples like the Savannah River and San Francisco Bay. Estuaries are crucial for biodiversity and environmental protection.

What is an estuary?

• A type of desert ecosystem

• A mountain range

• A large freshwater lake

• A body of water where freshwater meets the ocean

Which river creates an estuary by flowing into the Atlantic Ocean?

• Amazon River

• Savannah River

• Mississippi River

• Nile River

Why are estuaries referred to as the 'nurseries of the sea'?

• They are the largest bodies of water

• They have a high concentration of salt

• They provide a safe environment for young marine life

• They are located in deserts

What type of water is found in estuaries?

• Brackish water

• Saltwater

• Freshwater

• Distilled water

How do estuaries help in reducing the effects of flooding?

• By evaporating water quickly

• By increasing rainfall

• By blocking river flow

• By acting as a buffer between ocean and land

Which of the following is NOT a classification of estuaries?

• Desert estuaries

• Bar-built estuaries

• Tectonic estuaries

• Coastal plain estuaries

What geological feature characterizes fjord estuaries?

• Flat and sandy

• Narrow and steep

• Circular and deep

• Wide and shallow

Which estuary is formed by the sea filling in a basin created by sinking land?

• Fjord

• Coastal plain estuary

• Tectonic estuary

• Bar-built estuary

What is an example of a coastal plain estuary?

• Chesapeake Bay

• Hudson Bay

• Tampa Bay

• San Francisco Bay

What is the primary role of estuaries in the ecosystem?

• To filter pollutants and support marine life

• To increase ocean salinity

• To create new landforms

• To provide a habitat for desert animals