Question

Consider the following statements about an estuary:

1. An estuary is the place where the river freshwater meets with ocean water.

2. This area is highly productive.

3. This area is highly unproductive.

Which of the above statements is/are true?

1. 1 only
2. 2 only
3. 1 and 2 only
4. 3 only

Answer 1

Correct Answer - Option 3 : 1 and 2 only

The correct answer is 1 and 2 only.

 

• An estuary is a place where a river or a stream opens into the sea (mouth of the river). Hence Statement 1 is true.
• It is a partially enclosed coastal area of brackish water (salinity varies between 0-35 ppt) with one or more rivers or streams flowing into it, and with a free connection to the open sea.
• At the estuaries, freshwater carrying fertile silt and runoff from the land mixes with the salty seawater.
• Estuaries form a transition zone (ecotone) between river environments and maritime environments and are highly productive. Hence Statement 2 is true.
• Examples of estuaries are river mouths, coastal bays, tidal marshes, lagoons, and deltas.