The edge effect at the contact of continental fresh water and sea wate

The edge effect at the contact of continental fresh water and sea water results in:

non-deposition of sediments due to turbulence.
deposition of sand due to fall in system energy.
deposition of organic matter due to density difference.
flocculation of clays resulting in formation of mud deposits.
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UPSC Geoscientist – 2020
When freshwater mixes with saltwater, especially in estuaries, the dissolved salts (ions) in the saltwater neutralize the negative charges on clay particles carried by the freshwater. This neutralization reduces the electrostatic repulsion between clay particles, causing them to clump together (flocculate) and settle out of suspension, forming mud deposits.
Flocculation of clay particles is a key process occurring at the salt-freshwater interface in estuaries, driven by changes in salinity.
This flocculation and subsequent deposition of fine sediments are major factors contributing to the formation of muddy bottoms, tidal flats, and salt marshes characteristic of estuarine environments. The mixing zone, where this occurs, is often referred to as the “turbidity maximum.”
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