Intertidal Zones

The intertidal zone is where the land and sea meet, between the high and low tide zones.

Much of the intertidal zone is washed by tides each day.

Tides are the rising and falling of the Earth’s ocean

surfaces.

At high tide, the water can cover much of the intertidal zone.

At low tide, much of the intertidal zone is exposed because there is

very little water.

Can you think of any reasons why it would be difficult for a plant or animal to live in an

intertidal zone?

(Write down your thoughts about this question before you go on.)

Some facts to keep in mind:

*The ocean water is salty, but the tide pools can sometimes be less salty due to rainwater that collects in pools.

*The water temperature on the Oregon Coast is about 55 degrees at this time of year. (You can compare this to Lake Michigan which is about 67 degrees, or Alpine Lake which is about 75 degrees) The air temperature on the Oregon Coast is about 65 degrees, but it can get up to 85 degrees in the sun and in the low 40s at night.

*Water in the intertidal zones can move extremely quickly and can carry things with them when it moves.

What do you think a plant or animal would need in order to survive in an intertidal

zone?

(Write down your thoughts about this question before you go on.)

On Monday we will explore a real tide pool and you will get to see what kind of animals and plants live there. Before we go, please write down any other questions or ideas you have about intertidal zones.