Welcome to the Rocky Intertidal Zone Ecosystem Module! In this time frame we are going to explore one of the more distinct ecosystems of the coastal states, and of Washington in particular. I am going to break the module lectures down into the units you see above, but I wanted to provide a brief introduction to the whole unit first.
One of the interesting aspects of this ecosystem is the fact that is it covered by water as much as it is exposed to those of us on dry land. Therefore, the time spent actually in this zone can be precious and fascinating. We are fortunate in the Puget Sound Region to have very good negative tides which expose this ecosystem. One such low tide will happen during our two week look at this ecosystem. As we said at orientation, you will need to be careful to set aside the time to take advantage of the timing of the tides for an appropriate field trip experience.
To check for the best times for negative tides in your area check the following tide table website:
WWW Tide and Current Predictor
In this module then we are going to explore several aspects of the Rocky Intertidal Ecosystem:
In the Tides unit we will discuss the physical aspects of what causes the tides.
In the Rocky Intertidal Zonation unit we will examine the various "life zones" of the rocky beach and discuss when they are exposed and who typically lives in each.
In the Animals unit we will take a general look at the animals which inhabit the Rocky Intertidal Zones.
In the Algae unit we will take a look at the photosynthesizers of the Rocky Intertidal Zones.
You should accompany your web time with the following pages from the course textbooks:
In the Guide to Oregon's Rocky Intertidal Habitats , read pages 1-10 for a comprehensive look at this ecosystem. Also use this book to preview the animals and algae you are likely to come across at the beach. This book should accompany you on your field trip.
In the Stokes' Field Guide to Birds , read pages 25, 27, 30, 74, 81, 90, 149, 152, 157, 163, 169, 193, 195, 199, 214, 219, & 332 to preview some of the birds you may see.
In the National Audubon Society: Field Guide to the Pacific Northwest , read pages14-15 & 40-43 for an introduction to the coastal and marine ecosystems, and read 83-85 for algae, and 166-186 for marine invertebrate information.
In Pojar and McKinnon's, Plants of the Pacific Northwest Coast, read page 345 for two of the plants you may see.
To keep yourself together throughout the unit check the Learning Experiences Chart for assignments, due dates, etc.
Have Fun!
