Estuaries
An estuary under well mixed conditions (left) and under stratified conditions (right). Arrows show the pattern of water circulation in the estuary.
An estuary is where a river meets the sea. As it is an interface system, many biological, chemical and physical phenomena occur and interact here. The circulation pattern of water in estuaries is complex, affecting the distribution and growth of fish and other fauna. Estuaries form important breeding and nursery grounds for fish, prawns and birds. In wet tropical climates such as Malaysia, most of the estuaries are lined by mangroves and settled and exploited by humans.
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- Definitions
- Interactions