The Intertidal Zone
Where land meets sea!
Life in the Tidal Pool
The intertidal zone is the area that is above water at low tide and under water at high tide. In order to survive here, the life here has adapted to living in both wet and dry conditions. This zone is the home to algae, sea stars, small crabs, and mussels.
Adapting to survive
Sea snails such as periwinkles have a trap door called an operculum that they can close when they are out of water to keep moisture in.
As the temperature changes...
As the tide goes out, tide pools and shallow areas in the intertidal will become more vulnerable to temperature changes that could occur from increased sunlight or colder weather. Some tide pool animals, such as this crab, hide under plants in the tide pool to find shelter from the sun.
Forces of nature
In some areas, waves hit the intertidal zone with force, and marine animals and plants must be able to protect themselves. Kelp, a type of algae, has a root-like structure that it uses to attach to rocks or mussels, keeping it in place.
Save the seaturtles!
Sea turtles lay their eggs on the beach areas, and when the babies hatch they must cross the intertidal zone. Human activity threatens their survival rates, so remember not to leave behind any trash and to fill in any holes in the sand after a fun day in the sun!