Physical Characteristics and Processes of the Río de la Plata Estuary

摘要: The Rio de la Plata Estuary, located at 35°00’S on the Atlantic coast, drains second largest basin in South America. drainage area covers over 3.1 x 106 km2 and includes parts of Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay Uruguay. It is most developed America: population hinterland estimated to be 30 million inhabitants. Two major ports region, cities Buenos Aires, Montevideo, Uruguay, lie along its shores. also provides access upstream Parana, Paraguay, Uruguay Rivers. Biologically, estuary very important (Cousseau 1985; Boschi 1988). outer where fresh waters rich nutrients interact with coastal waters, spawning nursery many species. Because regional importance, Estuary has been subject research programs which try understand different aspects environment ecosystem.