When Is Intertidal Zone Exposed to Air?

It is located on marine coastlines, including rocky shores and sandy beaches. The intertidal zone experiences two different states: one at low tide when it is exposed to the air and the other at high tide when it is submerged in seawater. The zone is completely submerged by the tide once or twice every day.

Which intertidal zone is only exposed to the air during lowest tides?

Marine biologists and others divide the intertidal region into three zones (low, middle, and high), based on the overall average exposure of the zone. The low intertidal zone, which borders on the shallow subtidal zone, is only exposed to air at the lowest of low tides and is primarily marine in character.

Which of the intertidal zones is exposed to air only about twice a day for short periods of time?

The middle intertidal zone is generally submerged, except for a period during the turn of low tide. More plants and animals live here because they are not exposed to drying conditions for too long. The lower intertidal zone is exposed to air for only a short period of time at low tide.