EVERYDAY SCIENCE

Detailed explanation-1: -Salinity also affects chemical conditions within the estuary, particularly levels of dissolved oxygen in the water. The amount of oxygen that can dissolve in water, or solubility, decreases as salinity increases.

Detailed explanation-2: -The water within the estuary itself is always well mixed due to the strong tidal currents there. Gradually in the months following the cessation of river flows, the freshwater is mixed by the tides and winds out of the estuary and bay and replaced by more oceanic water from offshore, and the salinity increases.

Detailed explanation-3: -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 brackish water-a mixture of fresh water draining from the land and salty seawater.

Detailed explanation-4: -Estuaries are unique environments to which plants and animals have specially adapted. Estuaries are protected from ocean forces by reefs, barrier islands, headlands and deltas. Estuaries transport and trap nutrients and sediment through the combined action of freshwater flow, wind, waves and tidal action.