What characterizes a lagoon?

A lagoon is characterized specifically as a protected area of saltwater, typically found along coastlines. These bodies of water are often separated from larger seas or oceans by barrier islands, coral reefs, or similar structures. The salinity of water in a lagoon can vary, but it generally maintains a higher salt concentration compared to freshwater bodies. This environment creates a unique ecosystem that supports various marine life, particularly species adapted to the brackish conditions that can arise from the mixing of saltwater and freshwater.

In contrast, freshwater bodies, tidal influences, or river ports do not accurately describe the characteristics of a lagoon. Freshwater areas do not involve salinity and are different in terms of their ecological features and environmental conditions. Open water bodies that are affected by tide refer more to estuaries or oceanic environments rather than lagoons, and places where river water flows into the ocean are typically classified as deltas or estuaries. Therefore, the designation of a lagoon as a protected area of saltwater captures its essential ecological and geographical attributes.