Organisms must adapt to the volatile coastal tide pools.
Each coastal shoreline on Earth has varying degrees of exposure to tidal waves. Some shorelines receive the full powerful brunt of the ocean's tidal system, whereas other shores have protective bays or other rock formations that impede the tide's movement across the shore. However, animals that live within the tidal zone, or land sea animals, must devise specific defenses against the powerful tidal waves for a successful life.
Cause of Tidal Waves
The greatest causal factor of the Earth's tidal system is the moon's location. The close proximity of the moon to the Earth causes a gravitational pull of the world's oceans. As the moon passes above the Earth, it causes an ocean bulge, pulling the water toward the moon. The bulge also occurs on the opposite side of the Earth at the same time. The moon and Earth continue their perpetual rotation, causing a bulge across the entire Earth's oceans forming the tides. On a smaller scale, the tides are also affected by the Earth's wind patterns, shoreline shape and seafloor's physical features.
Splash Zone
Each coastline has a tidal area referred to as the intertidal zone. The highest zone, with little water submergence, is the splash zone. The splash zone's water supply is limited to mist and sea water spray from the crashing waves in the lower tidal zones. Typical land sea animals that thrive in the splash zone are snails, barnacles, sea lettuce and algae. For many weeks at a time, the splash zone is relatively dry. The organisms within the splash zone must endure the sun's rays and land animal predation and must resist drying out. Barnacles and snails stay within their protective shells to avoid predators and dryness. Sea lettuce algae resist water loss by absorbing any ambient water available.
High Zone
The high intertidal zone is typically covered by sea water during high tide. Larger barnacles, chitons, and limpets live in this zone. The breaking water creates a volatile water supply across the organisms. As a result, these animals have developed protective shells and a strong foot, or muscle, for holding to the surrounding rock formations. The strong attachment prevents the organisms from floating unprotected within the rapid tidal waves.
Mid Zone
The mid zone remains submerged except during low tides. Mussels, sea stars and other barnacles reside in this zone. The strong tides continue to affect the organisms. Sea stars use tubular feet for strong rock attachment, as well as a protective outside skin and skeleton. Mussels and barnacles use their strong foot for attachment and a strong outside shell against the waves' power.
Low Zone
The low zone is always covered with water, except during the lowest tides in the spring. The wave action is less volatile here, allowing formations of brown algae, such as feather boas and sea palms. These algae plants attach to submerged rocks and move with the tidal action.
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