THE Shores
Rocky Shores
Approx 34% of uk coast. Exposed Atlantic headlands, sheltered sealochs and bays- varied micro-habitats tapestry of habitats
Vertical zonation seems to exist on most rocky shores but communities that make up these zones differ depending on extent of exposure. Lose endless hours exploring rockpools. Variety of habitats and zones within. Deep and shallow tidal pools. Rocks that dry completely. Rocks that are only exposed at very low spring tides. Dark sheltered crevices. Wide open pools. Life very diverse Living things have to be adaptable. Tolerant or able to survive drying out dessication, temperature ranges – first life to leave the sea evolved here. Dries out twice a day. Spring tides neap tides. Increased salinity of pools evaporating. Declining salinity where fresh water flows in. Storms. Sea birds. Grazers. Not being able to photosynthesise or graze when the tide is out. Different degrees of exposure. Sheltered. Muddy. Exposed and stormlashed wave action. Getting nutrients from the water. Rapid recolonisation. Tidal changes- daily, monthly, seasonal Temperature changes- heat in summer and possible frosts in winter Dessication Exposure to wave action, sand scour, water circulation, sedimentation, O2, splach affected by fetch, prevailing wind, slope of shore, degree of facing into fetch, wind etc.
Zonation- moderately exposed shores. Caused by factors above, competition, predation upper (eulittoral) middle and lower (sublittoral)
Explorers and seekers after sealife should be aware of tides. Replace rocks where they were found. Seashore code? Slippery.
Seaweeds are the primary producers on the rocky shore, that is, they are the living things which use oxygen and sunlight to grow (ie photosynthesise) other living things graze on them. The variety of seaweeds on a typical shore reflects the range of conditions and tolerances of the seaweeds. Competition, growth rate. Also plankton for filter feeders.
Splash zone
(above Highest Astronomical
Approx 34% of uk coast. Exposed Atlantic headlands, sheltered sealochs and bays- varied micro-habitats tapestry of habitats
Vertical zonation seems to exist on most rocky shores but communities that make up these zones differ depending on extent of exposure. Lose endless hours exploring rockpools. Variety of habitats and zones within. Deep and shallow tidal pools. Rocks that dry completely. Rocks that are only exposed at very low spring tides. Dark sheltered crevices. Wide open pools. Life very diverse Living things have to be adaptable. Tolerant or able to survive drying out dessication, temperature ranges – first life to leave the sea evolved here. Dries out twice a day. Spring tides neap tides. Increased salinity of pools evaporating. Declining salinity where fresh water flows in. Storms. Sea birds. Grazers. Not being able to photosynthesise or graze when the tide is out. Different degrees of exposure. Sheltered. Muddy. Exposed and stormlashed wave action. Getting nutrients from the water. Rapid recolonisation. Tidal changes- daily, monthly, seasonal Temperature changes- heat in summer and possible frosts in winter Dessication Exposure to wave action, sand scour, water circulation, sedimentation, O2, splach affected by fetch, prevailing wind, slope of shore, degree of facing into fetch, wind etc.
Zonation- moderately exposed shores. Caused by factors above, competition, predation upper (eulittoral) middle and lower (sublittoral)
Explorers and seekers after sealife should be aware of tides. Replace rocks where they were found. Seashore code? Slippery.
Seaweeds are the primary producers on the rocky shore, that is, they are the living things which use oxygen and sunlight to grow (ie photosynthesise) other living things graze on them. The variety of seaweeds on a typical shore reflects the range of conditions and tolerances of the seaweeds. Competition, growth rate. Also plankton for filter feeders.
Splash zone
(above Highest Astronomical