The estuary is a wetland characterized as a transitional environment, being the place where the flow of river water meets the salty sea water.
In short, it is the transition zone between the river and the sea.
Estuaries correspond to a brackish environment, where fresh water mixes with sea water. This situation offers unique conditions for the environment.
The estuary is subject to tidal influence, so it undergoes constant changes in temperature and salinity.
Another important feature is the fact that estuaries are one of the most productive environments on the planet. This is because the waters carry a lot of nutrients and organic matter.
Estuaries are regions of extreme ecological importance as they are home to a great diversity of species. Furthermore, it is also possible to obtain food from them.
mouth of rivers
The mouth of the river is the region where its course ends. It can be divided into two types:
- estuary mouth: when river waters flow into the sea or ocean through a single channel.
- delta mouth: when river water flows into the sea or ocean through networks of channels.
Read too:
- aquatic ecosystem
- Hydrographic basin
- types of rivers
Threats
While they have an important ecological function, estuaries are also very threatened by human action.
This is because many estuaries are located close to cities and are important communication routes from the oceans to the continent.
Furthermore, fishing activities or extraction of natural resources must be carried out in a sustainable manner. Therefore, in some estuary regions, nature conservation areas are created.
Estuaries of Brazil
Brazil has many estuarine regions. Some of the most representative Brazilian estuaries are:
- Oiapoque River Estuary
- Macapa Bay
- Marajó Island Complex
- Estuary and delta of the Parnaíba River
- Guariba Estuary
- São Francisco River Estuary
- All Saints Bay
- Guanabara Bay
- Chu Arroyo Estuary
Read too:
- rivers of Brazil
- Hydrography of Brazil
