Environmental Protection Agency Narragansett Bay Commission University of Rhode Island Inner Space Center

Estuarine Science

Intertidal Community

1. Where is the Intertidal Zone?
2. What are the different regions of the Intertidal Zone?
3. What kinds of plants and animals can we find in the Intertidal Zones of Narragansett Bay?
4. How do animals adapt to living in this community?


2. What are the different regions of the Intertidal Zone?

The Intertidal Community is composed of several different regions that differ depending on tidal and wave exposure and life within the zone. The different conditions in each region allow for a great diversity of marine life. This can also lead to a competition among organisms for limited space on the rocky shore.


Black Point Rocky Intertidal Zonation
(Click for larger image)

The Intertidal Zone is divided into six specific regions:
  • The Black Zone (or Splash Zone)
  • The Periwinkle Zone (or Splash Zone)
  • The Barnacle Zone (or Upper Zone)
  • The Rockweed Zone (or Middle Zone)
  • The Irish Moss Zone (or Lower Zone)
  • The Kelp Zone (or Subtidal Zone)
Seaweed Bed
(Click for larger image)
Barnacles

Note: For more information about these zones and the organisms found in each zone see OMP's DOCE website.


1. Where is the Intertidal Zone?
2. What are the different regions of the Intertidal Zone?
3. What kinds of plants and animals can we find in the Intertidal Zones of Narragansett Bay?
4. How do animals adapt to living in this community?


(Image credits are listed in Image Index)

Please Note: This website is maintained as an archive of the project. This website is no longer under development.

Home | Estuarine Science | Policy and Management | History and Culture | Virtual Field Trip | Biota Gallery | Maps | Glossary | Teacher Resources | Image Index | Site Info