Estuary

{
  "id": "MLC-T-MET-000895",
  "term": "Estuary",
  "field": "Meteorology and atmospheric science",
  "definitions": [
    "A partially enclosed coastal body of water where freshwater from rivers and streams mixes with saltwater from the ocean. These transitional zones are characterized by fluctuating salinity levels and tidal influences. Estuaries serve as nurseries for many marine species and are often highly productive ecosystems.",
    "In hydrologic terms, the thin zone along a coastline where freshwater systems and rivers meet and mix with a salty ocean (such as a bay, mouth of a\nriver, salt marsh, lagoon)."
  ],
  "references": [
    "NWS Glossary"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/meteorology/estuary/"
}