Tide pool

A tide pool, also known as a rock pool, is a shallow body of seawater that forms in a depression or hollow along the rocky intertidal zone. These pools are visible during low tide and are replenished when the tide returns.

Tide pools are dynamic ecosystems, experiencing constant changes in water level, temperature, salinity, and oxygen levels. Organisms living in tide pools must be adapted to survive these fluctuating conditions. Common inhabitants include various species of algae (seaweed), invertebrates such as sea stars, sea urchins, crabs, snails, mussels, and barnacles, and small fish.

The size, depth, and shape of a tide pool, as well as its location on the shoreline, influence the types of organisms that can thrive there. Pools higher in the intertidal zone experience longer periods of exposure to air and sunlight, and greater fluctuations in salinity due to evaporation and rainfall. Lower tide pools remain submerged for longer periods and provide a more stable environment.

Tide pools provide valuable research opportunities for marine biologists studying ecological adaptation, community dynamics, and the effects of environmental change. They are also popular destinations for nature enthusiasts and educational field trips.