Rias, a term that commonly refers to a fjord-like inlet that is formed when sea water floods a glacially carved valley, is also known by other names. Some similar words for Rias include estuary, drowned valley, firth, bay, sound, and cove. These geographic features are often found on coastlines and can be formed by different processes. Estuaries, for example, are formed when freshwater rivers or streams meet the sea, while firths are long narrow inlets generally found in Scotland. Despite the different names used for rias depending on the region, they all offer unique landscapes, ecosystems, and recreational opportunities for visitors to enjoy.