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Washington - Tidal Flat
These tidal flats in Washington State are another example of an intertidal region. This area is not as pronounced and diverse as a rocky shoreline with tide pools and mussels on cliffs, but it does support unique life. Tidal flats are wide expanses of shoreline that are exposed when the tide goes out two times each day. This is an example of a sand flat that barely slopes a few inches. That 'flatness' allows acres of land to become exposed at the ebb of the tide. Sand flats have much less organic material than mud flats. That means there are fewer organisms alive in this type of ecosystem. Even though you might not see anything in this picture, the real action is happening below the surface. Tidal flats are like huge filters as runoff from the surface returns to the sea. Think of all that sand like a coffee filter. As the water passes through, organisms break down waste material. It's like nature's sewage treatment plant. But it doesn't smell bad. Because there are many different species below the sand and in neighboring areas, you will also find large numbers of migrating birds in the area, looking for a quick snack. Image Credit: Rader, Andrew Rader Studios, Geography4Kids.com Download Wallpaper: 800 x 600 | 1024 x 768 Return to galleries: Earth from Space | Land Biomes | Aquatic Biomes |
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Go for site help or a list of earth science topics at the site map!©copyright 1997-2008 Andrew Rader Studios, All rights reserved. Current Page: Geography4Kids.com | Physical Geography | Wallpapers | Washington Coast |
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