estuarine sedimentation

Estuarine sedimentation is the process where fine particles, such as silt, clay, and organic material carried by rivers or tides, settle and accumulate in estuaries—coastal areas where freshwater from rivers meets and mixes with saltwater. This sedimentation shapes the estuary’s landforms, creating features like mudflats and tidal marshes. It also provides habitats for diverse plants and animals. The rate of sedimentation depends on factors like water flow, sediment supply, and tidal activity. Overall, estuarine sedimentation plays a key role in the ecological health and physical landscape of coastal environments.