Saltwater & Freshwater Environments

Oceans

Biggest aquatic ecosystem on Earth (saltwater)

Lake

Large, still bodies of freshwater

Seas

Smaller than oceans, and its often partially enclosed by land (saltwater)

Coral Reefs

Warm, shallow ocean habitants rich in biodiversity (saltwater)

Estuaries

Where freshwater meets saltwater (saltwater)

Rivers and Streams

Flowing water, usually from mountains to oceans (freshwater)

Open Ocean

Deep waters away from the coast (saltwater)

Deep Sea

Cold, dark, and high pressure habitants on the ocean floor. Sunlight never touches/reaches these areas (saltwater)

Ponds

Small, still freshwater bodies

Wetlands

Area where the water covers the soil, ex. swamps, marshes (freshwater)

Glacial Meltwaters

Cold, mineral rich water from melting glaciers (freshwater)

Brackish

Non drinkable/non potable

Coastal Lagoons

Shallow brackish water bodies separated from the ocean by barrier islands/reefs

Mangrove Swamps

coastal wetlands with salt tolerant trees (brackish)