Tidevattenområden

Tidevattenområden, also known as intertidal zones or littoral zones, are the areas along coastlines that are covered by seawater during high tide and exposed to air during low tide. These dynamic environments are characterized by significant fluctuations in water level, salinity, temperature, and oxygen availability. The organisms that inhabit these areas have evolved specialized adaptations to survive these harsh and variable conditions.

The specific characteristics of a tidevattenområde depend on several factors, including the tidal range, the type of substrate (rocky shores, sandy beaches, mudflats), and wave exposure. Rocky shores often support a zonation pattern, with different species occupying distinct levels based on their tolerance to submersion and desiccation. Sandy beaches and mudflats, while seemingly barren, are rich in life, with many organisms living burrowed beneath the surface.

Tidevattenområden are ecologically significant, serving as crucial habitats for a diverse array of marine life, including algae, invertebrates like mussels, barnacles, and crabs, and various species of fish that feed in these areas. They also play a role in nutrient cycling and coastal protection. However, these zones are also vulnerable to human impacts such as pollution, coastal development, and over-harvesting, making their conservation important.