Estuaries Flashcards
1
Q
What is an estuary?
A
- Semi-enclosed inlet
- Must have river
- Periodically closed.
2
Q
How are estuaries formed?
A
Most formed by rise in sea level following last glacial and then fills again with sediment.
3
Q
Describe the stages of seasonal closure in estuaries.
A
- Closed phase
- Outflow phase
- Tidal phase
- Semi-closed phase
- Overwash event.
4
Q
What are the different estuary types?
A
- Microtidal <2m
- Mesotidal 2-4m
- Macrotidal 4-6m
- Hypertidal >6m.
5
Q
What are the different estuary zones?
A
- Head
- Upper reaches
- Middle reaches
- Lower reaches
- Mouth.
6
Q
What are the sources of primary production in estuaries?
A
- Phytoplankton
- Benthic diatoms
- Algal mats
- Sea grasses.
7
Q
Are estuaries sinks or sources for organic matter?
A
Both - allochthonous & autochthonous.
