tidepool

A tidepool is a pool of seawater that forms in rocky depressions on the shore where the land meets the sea. These pools are characteristic of the intertidal zone and are filled and refreshed by waves and tides. They can form when water becomes trapped in crevices as the tide recedes, or when persistent wave action deepens hollows in the rock.

Tidepools host diverse marine life, including sea stars, sea urchins, anemones, crabs, limpets, barnacles, and various snails, as well as algae and small fish. The organisms are adapted to rapid changes in salinity, temperature, and oxygen as tides rise and fall. Many species shelter in crevices and under rocks to avoid desiccation during low tide.

Ecologically, tidepools function as microhabitats that support juvenile stages of some species and provide feeding grounds for others. They are influenced by water chemistry, sunlight, and exposure, and can experience extreme conditions. Predation pressure and competition for space are important dynamics within pools.

Human interaction and conservation: Tidepools are popular for coastal observation and education, but they are delicate ecosystems. Visitors should avoid removing organisms, minimize trampling, and respect signage and access rules to protect living communities and maintain ecological balance.