Rock Platforms: Subtidal Zone
The subtidal zone generally remains submerged except at extreme low tides.
For each physical factor presented below, indicate which of them create challenges for organisms in the subtidal zone by selecting ‘Yes’ or ‘No’:
Salinity
Yes
No
try again
Not really. Salinity is much less of a problem in the subtidal than intertidal and spray zones where water evaporates at low tide, concentrating the salt. Try again.
True. For marine organisms, the subtidal zone experiences more or less constant salinity. Salt does not become concentrated at low tide.
Macrocystis from below. Photograph courtesy of Gerry Kraft.