Observations of Lateral Salinity Variability at a Deltaic-Bay Transition Zone, Mobile Bay, Alabama Gulf and Caribbean Research

Estuaries are complex systems in which freshwater and saltwater interact. In a typical estuary, stratification is dictated by salinity, where freshwater overlays saltwater. Salinity is a critical environmental characteristic that influences estuarine habitats because flora and fauna have salinity tolerances beyond which they are unable to survive (Elliot and Quintino 2007). Therefore, salinity exposure across estuarine regions can alter the habitats and ecosystems in these areas. Grant no. NA19NOS4510194