A River in Name Only

A River in Name Only. . , Though it has been called a “river” for centuries, the East River is actually a tidal strait (a narrow waterway connecting larger bodies of water) and part of a larger estuary (a mix of salt and fresh water that flows into the sea). Unlike a true river, the flow of this tidal strait can change direction completely. Its quick, variable currents make it difficult for most marine life to establish habitat, but oysters and other shellfish find safety by lodging themselves in the rocks and riverbed., Diatoms , Abundant in the East River, diatoms are a type of algae that turns sunlight into food using photosynthesis. There are over 100,000 species of diatom. While they all use silica to build protective shells, each species has a unique combination of shell, shape and pattern. Can you spot some of these patterns on the pavement?, Menhaden , These small silvery fish play an important role in the East River ecosystem. They are food for many predators, including larger fish like bluefish, birds of prey, and even humpbacked whales., Serious River Currents , City engineering projects resulted in a narrowing of the East River, which increased its overall speed. East River currents are most treacherous near the Hell Gate Bridge and Roosevelt Island., East River Ebb and Flow , Direction of flow in the East River is controlled by the tide. A rising tide produces a flood current, making the waterline rise as the river flows northward. A falling tide creates an ebb current as the river flows southward towards the sea.