US Coastal Waters & Estuaries Quiz
Bays, estuarine ecosystems (10 questions).
US Coastal Waters & Estuaries Quiz: Quick Study Notes
Estuaries are highly productive coastal environments where freshwater from rivers mixes with saltwater from the ocean. This quiz tests your knowledge of major US estuaries, their salinity characteristics, and the vital ecosystems they support, such as mangroves and salt marshes.
Key Takeaways
- Brackish Water: The mixture of fresh and salt water defines the chemical environment of an estuary.
- Chesapeake Bay: The largest estuary in the United States, spanning multiple states.
- Nurseries: Estuaries provide shelter and food for juvenile marine life.
- Mangroves vs. Marshes: Mangroves dominate tropical coasts (like Florida), while salt marshes are found in temperate zones.
- Threats: Eutrophication (nutrient overload) leads to hypoxic “dead zones” where aquatic life cannot survive.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the definition of an estuary?
An estuary is a partially enclosed coastal body of water where freshwater from rivers and streams meets and mixes with saltwater from the ocean.
Why are estuaries called the “nurseries of the sea”?
They provide protected, nutrient-rich environments where juvenile fish and shellfish can grow safely before migrating to the open ocean.
What is the largest estuary in the United States?
The Chesapeake Bay is the largest estuary in the US, with a watershed covering 64,000 square miles across six states and the District of Columbia.
What is brackish water?
Brackish water is water that has more salinity than freshwater but less than seawater. It typically results from the mixing of seawater with fresh water in estuaries.
What causes “dead zones” in coastal waters?
Dead zones are hypoxic (low oxygen) areas caused by excessive nutrient pollution (nitrogen and phosphorus) which triggers algae blooms that deplete oxygen when they decompose.
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