clear dot
estuaries.gov banner blue space
       Home | Contact Us | Español  
spacer
      
Advanced Search Search
blue space
An Estuary Is...   |    Interactions   |    Estuarine Dynamics   |    Life in an Estuary   |    Estuaries & You   |    Studying Estuaries   |    Our Estuaries
Overview   |    High School   |    Middle School   |    Tutorials   |    Teacher Training   |    Lessons & Activities
Meet an Expert   |    Take a Quiz   |    Fun & Games   |    "Muddy" Opportunities   |    Glossary
Volunteer   |    National Estuaries Day   |    News   |    Make a Difference
Species Factsheets   |    Publications   |    Educators Directory   |    Presentations   |    Visualizations   |    Log On
 
background space space space background
About Estuaries Logo An Estuary Is...
line
What is an Estuary?     

left line Estuary Photos
 
  • An estuary is the thin zone along a coastline (such as bays, lagoons, sounds or sloughs) where freshwater systems and rivers meet, and mix with a salty ocean, becoming brackish. 
  • Sometimes, freshwater from rivers mixes with large freshwater bodies creating a "freshwater estuary" that functions like a typical brackish estuaries.
  • The five major types of estuaries are coastal plain, bar-built, delta system, tectonic, and fjords. 
  • Estuaries are unique places that are valuable to the environment and to society.
Want to Learn More?
  1. Estuaries Defined
  2. Freshwater Estuaries
  3. Estuary Classification
  4. Estuaries are Unique and Important Places

Last Updated on: 06-24-2008

 
wave
NERRS Logo
NOAA | National Ocean Service | Web Site Owner: Ocean and Coastal Resource Management | nerrs.noaa.gov
About | Site Map | Acknowledgements | Disclaimer | Privacy Policy | How to Use This Site | Webmaster
NOAA Logo
line