ECOSYSTEMS > OREGON COAST > ROCKY SHORES
As with all ecosystems, intertidal areas (also known as intertidal zones) accommodate various habitats and species. These areas are differentiated by their exposure to water and air, location upon the shore, and geophysical features. If you go tidepooling during low tide, more of these zones will be open to exploration.
Intertidal areas are often transitional zones between the land and the sea. As a result, both terrestrial and marine species may use these areas simultaneously. Like estuaries, intertidal areas can also serve as relatively safe nurseries for young animals. Fish and invertebrates will use the pools between the rocky outcrops, while seabirds and pinnpeds will use higher areas to build their nests or sun themselves with their pups.
The sections below will help you understand the various parts of this ecosystem.
RELATED FEATURES: Ecosystems: Cliffs | Ecosystems: Tide Pools
As with all ecosystems, intertidal areas (also known as intertidal zones) accommodate various habitats and species. These areas are differentiated by their exposure to water and air, location upon the shore, and geophysical features. If you go tidepooling during low tide, more of these zones will be open to exploration.
Intertidal areas are often transitional zones between the land and the sea. As a result, both terrestrial and marine species may use these areas simultaneously. Like estuaries, intertidal areas can also serve as relatively safe nurseries for young animals. Fish and invertebrates will use the pools between the rocky outcrops, while seabirds and pinnpeds will use higher areas to build their nests or sun themselves with their pups.
The sections below will help you understand the various parts of this ecosystem.
RELATED FEATURES: Ecosystems: Cliffs | Ecosystems: Tide Pools
Splash Zone:The splash zone is above the surfline most of the time. It is reached by waves only during storms and the highest tides, but is splashed or misted by the waves below it. You will find few tidal animals in this area because the availability of sea water is too low. The splash zone is a good area for spotting birds and larger marine mammals which may be hauled out to rest and sun themselves. Notable Species: American golden plover | Black oystercatcher | Brown pelican | California sea lion | Common murre | Giant acorn barnacle | Harbor seal | Herring gull | Pigeon guillemot | Steller sea lion | Western sandpiper | Willet |
High Tide Zone:The high tide zone is exposed to air except during high tides. Animals in these areas may have special adaptations which allow them to move between terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Notable Species: California mussels | Flat porcelain crab | Giant acorn barnacle | Hairy hermit crab | Pickleweed | Proliferating anemone | Red rock crab | Sea lemon | Sea lettuce | Sharp-nosed crab |
Mid Tide Zone:This zone is covered and uncovered by water twice each day. Anemones and sea stars thrive in this zone. Notable Species: California mussel | California sea cucumber | Christmas anemone | Encrusting coraline algae | Giant green anemone | Proliferating anemone | Ochre star | Strawberry anemone |
Subtidal Zone:The subtidal zone is covered with water almost all of the time. It may only be exposed to air during extreme low tides, known as negative tides. Although this area can contain some very interesting lifeforms, the risks for exploring this area are great and it is not recommended that you attempt it. Notable Species: Blood Star | Bull Kelp | Canary Rockfish | Giant Pacific Octopus | Helmet Crab | Kelp Greenling | Leaf Barnacle | Red Octopus | Sand Dollars | Sea Palm | Sunflower Star | Tiger Rockfish | Wolf Eel |