What is the term for the region where fresh and saltwater meet?

The correct term for the region where fresh and saltwater meet is an estuary. Estuaries are uniquely dynamic environments that occur at the mouths of rivers where they converge with oceans or seas. In an estuary, freshwater from rivers mixes with saltwater from the ocean, creating a brackish water environment that is typically nutrient-rich and supports a diverse array of ecosystems.

Estuaries serve as crucial habitats for many species of fish, birds, and other wildlife. They are often highly productive areas that act as nurseries for fish and other aquatic organisms, as the mixing of salinities provides a variety of habitats. Additionally, estuaries play a vital role in filtering pollutants and sediments from rivers before they enter the ocean, impacting both water quality and ecosystem health.

The other options do not accurately describe the area where fresh and saltwater intermingle. Coral reefs are underwater structures made from calcium carbonate and are primarily found in tropical latitudes, while the plankton layer refers to the surface layer of water where phytoplankton and zooplankton are found. The neritic zone, on the other hand, is the shallow part of the ocean near the shore, where sunlight penetrates to the seabed, but it does not specifically