Estuarine circulation associated with a deep, high river volume system where no horizontal salinity gradient exists at the surface is called a:
A)bar-built estuary.
B)highly stratified estuary.
C)salt wedge estuary.
D)slightly stratified estuary.
E)vertically mixed estuary.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A salt wedge estuary occurs when a high river volume system, such as a large river, flows into a body of water with a low tidal range, resulting in a deep, high salinity wedge that extends from the mouth of the river to the head of the estuary. At the surface, there is no horizontal salinity gradient, but the water column is highly stratified, with fresher water on top of the denser, saltier water. This circulation pattern is characteristic of a salt wedge estuary.

Estuarine Circulation Associated with a Deep, High River Volume System