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vertically mixed estuary
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Diagram showing four main types of estuaries: salt wedge, partially mixed, vertically homogeneous, and fjord. Each panel illustrates river and seawater mixing patterns, with arrows indicating the direction of saltwater and freshwater flow.
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vertically mixed estuary

oceanography
Also known as: vertically homogeneous estuary
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Diagram showing four main types of estuaries: salt wedge, partially mixed, vertically homogeneous, and fjord. Each panel illustrates river and seawater mixing patterns, with arrows indicating the direction of saltwater and freshwater flow.
Figure 1: Four main types of estuaries: (A) salt wedge estuary, (B) partially mixed estuary, (C) vertically homogeneous estuary, and (D) fjord. (Black arrows indicate saltwater and white arrows, fresh water.)

A vertically mixed estuary, also known as a vertically homogeneous estuary, is a type of estuary where tidal currents are strong enough to completely mix fresh and saltwater. This results in a uniform salinity from the surface to the bottom at any given point within the estuary. Salinity is lowest where the river enters and highest near the sea.1

These estuaries occur when river flow is weak, allowing tidal forces to dominate and eliminate stratification. Unlike partially mixed or salt wedge estuaries, there is no distinct boundary between fresh and saltwater layers. This thorough mixing is a key characteristic of vertically homogeneous estuaries.21

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

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