Wednesday, 28 September 2016

How Tides Affect The Ecosystems Of Rock Pools

By Christopher Carter


Every day, the ocean water recedes. The coastal beach dries up with the rising and falling of the tides. This article is going to focus on the significance of this natural process. Walk to any beach today and witness for yourself the wonder and the spectacle that takes place in the tidal pools that are left exposed once the water recedes inwards. A traverse eco-system is left exposed in the shallow puddles of water trapped in the rocks. This fragile ecosystem is filled with all sorts of animals, flora, and fauna. Tidal pools are also referred to rock pools in many texts.

Each pool differs remarkably from their neighbors. Their stark differences come about as a result of the following factors. Depth. The bigger a hole is, the higher the likelihood that it will be able to sustain and hold more creatures. Larger holes are also cherished by the aquamarine creatures because they can maintain a relatively stable temperature. That is as opposed to the smaller holes where the day temperatures can shoot upwards, drastically.

Octopuses are among the heavyweights in categories of animals found on the seashores. The tentacles of the octopuses grow very fast and as such it is imperative for the animal to find a suitable space capable of accommodating it even when it reaches maturity. The same case can be said of starfish, the regular fish and the slugs as well.

Most creatures utilize the large ponds on the coast as a temporary shelter. They live there during the days, and once the water returns at night, they wonder off to the deep sea to search for food. Surprisingly, the fish can retrace their steps and return to their original pool. Scientists have discovered that many fish actually live in one tidal pool for the rest of their lives.

Another factor that is ever shifting is the salt content of the water. Rainwater and river water has a way of lowering the salinity of the tidal waters. Some organisms cannot survive in the fresh water, and they depend on the returning of salty water for their continued survival. The more sand and mud that comes into a particular zone, the fewer the creatures that can survive and vice versa.

Oxygen is an essential component of life. But, so too is carbon dioxide. The presence of both plants and animals inside this pools makes it possible for the interchange of vital gas back and forth. During the daytime, photosynthesis takes place in the algae and the other plant-like organisms, and this ends up releasing oxygen. At night the trend is reversed.

Humans are responsible for altering the delicate and the fragile balance of intertidal zones. Small kids have a liking for going to the beach to pick up coral shells and to hunt for the tiny fish. Their movements are resulting in mass annihilation of millions of microscopic organisms.

It is of utmost importance for humans to protect and safeguard this rich zone. We must all play our role and part to ensure marine ecosystems in the intertidal zones do not get wiped out. Garbage is one of the most pressing concerns. Plastic paper bags and litter is capable of disturbing the delicate balance in this regions.




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