
Estuary - Wikipedia
Estuaries are dynamic coastal ecosystems shaped by the interaction of riverine and marine processes. The mixing of freshwater inflows with oceanic waters creates constantly changing …
Basic Information about Estuaries - US EPA
Feb 21, 2025 · Estuaries, and their surrounding lands, are places of transition from land to sea. Although influenced by the tides, they are protected from the full force of ocean waves, winds …
What is an estuary? - NOAA's National Ocean Service
Estuaries and their surrounding wetlands are bodies of water usually found where rivers meet the sea. Estuaries are home to unique plant and animal communities that have adapted to …
Estuary | Coastal Features, Marine Life & Conservation | Britannica
Dec 13, 2025 · estuary, partly enclosed coastal body of water in which river water is mixed with seawater. In a general sense, the estuarine environment is defined by salinity boundaries …
Estuaries - Oceans, Coasts & Seashores (U.S. National Park Service)
May 13, 2016 · Estuaries are sheltered bodies of water where rivers meet the sea, nutrient-rich freshwater mixes with saltwater, and sunlight penetrates the shallow depths. All of these …
What Are Estuaries and Why Are They Important?
Estuaries are dynamic coastal ecosystems where freshwater from rivers and streams meets and mixes with saltwater from the ocean. These transitional zones connect terrestrial, freshwater, …
Estuaries - NASA Earthdata
Jan 2, 2026 · Estuaries are partially enclosed, coastal water bodies where freshwater from rivers and streams mixes with salt water from the ocean. The United State’s largest estuary is the …
What is an Estuary? - Restore America's Estuaries
What is an estuary? An estuary is a partially enclosed body of water formed by the mixing of two distinct bodies of water, usually saltwater and freshwater. Freshwater is often prevented from …
Wetlands and Estuaries | U.S. Geological Survey - USGS.gov
What is an estuary? Estuaries are created where watersheds meet the ocean, bringing land-based waters and salt water from the ocean together. A dynamic ecosystem is created where …
Estuary Habitat - NOAA Fisheries
Estuaries are bodies of water where rivers meet the sea. Their mix of salty and fresh water provides a unique home for abundant wildlife, including many popular fish species. They also …