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Intertidal zones can range anywhere from steep, rock ledges to long sandy beaches and mudflats.
Tidal waves periodically submerge and expose intertidal zones. Higher zones are exposed to the air for longer periods of time and go through more changes in temperature and salinity. The distribution of organisms is limited by the variations in physical conditions between the upper and lower intertidal zones.
In intertidal zones, oxygen and nutrient levels are generally high, as they are renewed with each turn of the tides.
Intertidal zones can exist anywhere that the land meets the sea. Intertidal zones are located on marine coastlines.
The intertidal zone's foundation, which is typically either rocky or sandy, favors specific behaviors and morphology in intertidal creatures. The shape of bays or coastlines affects the strength of tides and the proportion of intertidal creatures exposed to wave action.
In the lower, rocky areas of the intertidal zones, there is a high diversity and biomass of marine algae. Sandy intertidal zones lack attached plants and algae because they are exposed to vigorous wave action. Sandy intertidal zones in protected bays or lagoons on the other hand, often have rich beds of seagrass and algae.
Intertidal zones have hot and humid summers, moderate springs and falls, and harsh winters. The weathers can be extreme and the temperature of the air and waters can range from boiling hot to freezing cold.
Sea lettuce are a type of green algae, and are usually found on rocky shores. They grow in protected and semi-protected intertidal and shallow subtidal areas on hard substrates or seagrass.
Rockweeds are a type of brown algae that are often found near the New England coast. They grow on hard surfaces, for example; rocks, shells, and dock pilings.
Sea palms are plants that look similar to a small palm tree, and are especially abundant in upper to mid-tidal zones. They can be found in Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada, and Morro Bay, California.
Red Mangroves are a type of evergreen trees that are salt-tolerant and small-to-medium sized. It lives in coastal areas in the southern areas of North America, the Caribbean, Central America, and tropical West Africa. They often grow on shores, lagoons, creeks, coastal rivers and rivers, where the water is saline.
Bull kelp is a type of algae that grows annually. Bull kelp often grow on rocky reefs near low intertidal zones to 17 meters with a maximum depth of 40 meters.
Sea anemones have soft, flexible bodies that allow them to move with the flow of water, as well as tentacles covered in stinging cells that allow them to capture and stun their prey.
Mussels can survive in the intertidal zone because they can adapt to changing water levels and temperature changes. They use a strong thread-like substance secreted by their bodies to attach themselves to rocks or other hard surfaces.
Different areas of the intertidal zone may be wet or dry depending on the time of day. Organisms in this habitat must be able to adapt if they are left "high and dry" when the tide goes out. Periwinkles, for example, have a trap door called an operculum that they can close to keep moisture in when they are out of the water.
Intertidal crabs are subjected to changing marine conditions at high and low tide. This common stress will result in a specific adaptation. Intertidal crabs use articulating plates to keep their gills moist by blocking dry air from entering the gills. They also prefer to hide in places that are dark and moist. The majority of intertidal crabs are small in size. By entering a coral crevice, they can avoid predators and large waves.
Barnacles are masters of the intertidal zone, having evolved key adaptations that allow them to survive and thrive in such a dangerous environment. They've evolved special glands that secrete a cement-like substance to help them stick to the rocky shore and other hard surfaces. A calcareous outer shell composed of five or more plates absorbs the impact of waves, allowing barnacles to thrive in areas where heavy wave exposure is common, and an operculum, which is two moveable plates, can open and close, allowing a barnacle to open at high tide to release their cirri (feather-like legs) to catch passing food and then close at low tide to reduce the amount of water lost while they are active.
Human interference is by far the most damaging to intertidal zones and threatens their continued existence of all the harsh environmental factors that they face. The most serious negative consequences of human intervention are the trampling of organisms, the collection of species, and pollution. Every year, millions of people visit the intertidal zones and have an immediate impact on the organisms that live there.
Coastal pollution endangers intertidal zones. Trash, oil spills, sewage spills, and toxic chemical runoff are all examples of coastal pollution that can harm intertidal marine life. Urban runoff is pollution that is washed into nearby waterways and eventually into the ocean by rain, sprinklers, and any running water from our yards, streets, and other urban spaces. Pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizer from our lawns, car fluids from roads and driveways, pet waste, and general litter are all examples of urban runoff. Coastal pollution endangers tide pool animals and plants. Before entering the ocean, coastal pollution frequently passes through the intertidal zone, where it is most concentrated.
Although it is not a main attraction, the intertidal zone can be easily accessed by visitors when they visit a beach or a coastal area. This zone is home to a wide variety of marine life, making it an intriguing spot for nature enthusiasts. The intertidal zone offers an close-up view of crabs, starfish, shellfish, and various other forms of interesting marine life.