Estuary waters are often stratified by salinity with ________ flowing over the top of ________.
A) higher salinity river water; lower salinity ocean water
B) lower salinity river water; higher salinity ocean water
C) higher salinity ocean water; lower salinity river water
D) lower salinity ocean water; higher salinity river water
E) higher salinity ocean water; zero salinity river water

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Estuaries are formed when freshwater rivers flow into and mix with saltwater from the ocean. The fresh river water is less dense than the saltwater, causing it to flow over the top of the saltwater. This creates a stratification of salinity with lower salinity river water flowing over higher salinity ocean water. Therefore, Choice B is the correct answer.

Estuary Waters Are Often Stratified by Salinity with ________ Flowing