An estuary is defined as 'a partially enclosed coastal body of brackish water with one or more rivers or streams flowing into it, and with a free connection to the open sea'[1]. It serves as a transition zone between river and marine environments and is characterized by the mixing of freshwater from rivers and saline water from the sea, creating high nutrient levels that make estuaries some of the most productive natural habitats[1].
Estuaries can vary in form and classification based on their geomorphological features or water circulation patterns. Examples include drowned river valleys, bar-built estuaries, and fjords[1][2]. The Thames Estuary, for instance, is where the River Thames meets the North Sea and showcases characteristics influenced by tidal and salinity factors[2]. The Severn Estuary is known for its extremely high tidal range, which creates valuable intertidal habitats[3].
Estuaries are dynamic ecosystems that face significant threats from human activities such as pollution, overfishing, and coastal development, impacting their biodiversity and the services they provide[1][3].
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