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highly stratified estuary
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highly stratified estuary

oceanography
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Quick Summary

A highly stratified estuary is a body of water where river water and seawater mix, but with minimal mixing between the two. This creates distinct layers, with fresh water floating on top of salt water. This type of estuary is dominated by river discharge, and tidal effects are less significant. The interface between the fresh and salt water is well-defined. These environments are biologically productive due to nutrient trapping and support a variety of marine life. Examples include the mouth of the Mississippi River.12

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2 Britannica Sources
  1. river - Origin and classification
  2. estuary

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