tidewaters
Ocean-influenced coastal zones
Tidewaters are coastal waters affected by tidal flow—estuaries, bays, and river mouths where ocean tides raise and lower water levels.
The term often refers specifically to the low-lying coastal region of the eastern United States, particularly Virginia and Maryland: the Tidewater plantations of colonial Virginia.
As an adjective, tidewater describes this geography or its culture.
Mildly salty water
- deltaSymbol denoting variation
- inletWater extending into land
- confluenceMeeting point of streams
- lagoonSheltered coastal shallows
marsh · saltmarsh · bayou · slough · mouth · tributary · sediment · silt
Salt-water coastal trees
- wetlandsWater-saturated terrain
- habitatOrganism's natural environment
- biodiversityRange of life forms
- nurseryRoom for infants
flora · fauna · riparian · hydrophytes · marshland · anadromous · detritus · foodweb
Overwhelming surge of water
- surgeSudden powerful increase
- highwaterPeak tidal elevation
- overflowExceed capacity and spill
- submergePlunge beneath liquid
engulf · swamp · freshet · streamflow · floodplain · stormwater · encroachment · erosion
brackish
Mildly salty water
- deltaSymbol denoting variation
- inletWater extending into land
- confluenceMeeting point of streams
lagoon · marsh · saltmarsh · bayou · slough · mouth · tributary · sediment · silt · salinity
mangroves
Salt-water coastal trees
- wetlandsWater-saturated terrain
- habitatOrganism's natural environment
- biodiversityRange of life forms
nursery · flora · fauna · riparian · hydrophytes · marshland · anadromous · detritus · foodweb · ecotone
inundation
Overwhelming surge of water
submerge · engulf · swamp · freshet · streamflow · floodplain · stormwater · encroachment · erosion · siltation
harbor
Safe anchorage for ships
- anchorageSecure harbor spot
- marinaRecreational vessel harbor
- dockyardMaritime vessel construction site
seaport · nautical · sailing · wharf · pier · mooring · boathouse · crabbing · oystering · shrimping
tidewatersheadwaters
River's starting point
open ocean · deep sea · high seas · mountain streams · alpine lakes
tidewatershighlands
Elevated, hilly land areas
uplands · piedmont · mountainous regions · backcountry · hinterland
tidewatersinland waters
Non-marine aquatic areas
headwaters · mountain streams · lakes · ponds · reservoirs