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EstuariesCreated and Presented by:Cody Newcomb & DAndre ParkerWhat is an Estuary?Located near the shores of any of the oceans.Partially enclosed body of water where freshwater meets salt water.These estuaries are influenced by the tides, but they are fully protected by land masses/barriers.The soil is rich, therefore, it can support many different plant types.

Information that you may not know!!Many have not heard of estuaries before, but maybe you have heard of a harbor, sounds, or lagoons?These places are actually estuaries, where rivers and streams of freshwater mix with ocean salt water.They are an important role for the shipping industry.75% of all fish has been estimated to have lived in an estuary at least part of their life cycle.NYC is located on the Hudson River Estuary.

ClimateMarine organisms can make their own shelter or they have shells they use for protection against the Estuarys climate change.The climate of an estuary can affect it greatly.Seasonal cycles can bring varying amounts of rain, changing water temperature, and sunlight.Wind cause waves in which the waves will stir up sedimentsThis causes sediment to move in and out of estuaries and can erode the shoreline.

Types of EstuariesCoastal PlainFormed at the end of the last ice age where rising water levels invaded the low-lying coastal rivers. (Ex. Chesapeake bay)TectonicCracks or faults formed in the crust and sea water filled in the fault. (Ex. San Francisco Bay)Bar-BuiltSand build up along the coastline. (Ex. Pamlico Sound)FjordValleys that have been cut by moving glaciers then filled in by sea water.Usefulness of the biomeCreates a fishing area where many different species of fish are found.Provides a home for many species of plants and animals.Estuaries protect the inland from floods.They absorb water that is produced from a storm.

^ ^ Polychaete Worm ^ Dungeness Crab ^ Salmon LarvaeAnimals of Estuaries CraneAlligator

Cape-Flats Conebush (Endangered)CattailsKnotgrass

Monkey Flower

Lilies Plants of Estuaries

Current EstuariesEstuaries are falling in numbers.People fill in estuaries with dirt to make houses.Man-made structures, such as dams, can block natural streams and river, in which It cuts off freshwater going into the estuaries.Therefore, the fresh and saltwater balance is thrown off and can seriously damage an estuary.Competition and Adaptations.Some species may have a hard time to live and reproduce because pollutants can restrict that.Many may notice the competition in an estuary such as a crane hunting for a fish.50% of the US population lives on the coast, therefore, more land needs to be created which means destroying an estuary.Competition and Adaptation ContdMany farm near an estuary to use the unlimited amount of water, but chemicals have a greater chance of entering the water.Many plants and animals have learned and adapted to these conditions, so they can reproduce normally but may have complications or birth defects.Salmon River EstuaryLincoln City, Oregon. (Vacation Spot)Nursery for salmon.Very popular vacation spot.Home to 1,000+ shorebirdsNominated as an Important Bird Area for birds such as the Brown Pelican, Bald Eagle, and the Peregrine Falcon.Note= No negative effects were listed as to affect this biome but there are possibilities of pollutants from campgrounds and perhaps chemical spills from boats.

Harvested MaterialsSeafood

Any questions, comments, or concerns?Works Citedhttp://water.epa.gov/type/oceb/nep/about.cfmhttp://www.oregonshearwater.com/activities-in-lincoln-city-areahttp://www.nhptv.org/natureworks/nwep6a.htmhttp://estuaries.noaa.gov/About/Default.aspx?ID=230http://www.clas.ufl.edu/users/jmjaeger/estuaries.htm