Littoral zone

Littoral Zone

The Littoral zone is the part of a sea, lake or river that is close to the shore. In coastal environments, the littoral zone extends from the high water mark, which is rarely inundated, to shoreline areas that are permanently submerged. It always includes the intertidal zone and is often used to mean the same as the intertidal zone. However, the meaning of "littoral zone" can extend well beyond the intertidal zone.

Characteristics

There are three different definitions for the littoral zone. The first defines the littoral zone as the area between the high tide mark and the low tide mark. This area can include many different types of habitats, including steep rocky cliffs, sandy beaches, or wet, sloping marshes.

The second definition is similar to the first, but it includes the area up to the highest spring tide mark, which can be significantly higher than the high tide mark. This area is often significantly affected by humans and the effects of tides.

The third definition includes not just the area between the high tide mark and the low tide mark, but also the area extending to just beyond the continental shelf. This area is very shallow and is greatly affected by the action of waves and the tides.

Ecology

The littoral zone, while defined by physical parameters, also has strong biological characteristics. A wide range of organisms inhabit the littoral zone, and the biodiversity can be much higher than in other parts of the water body.

Human Impact

Human activity can have significant impacts on the littoral zone. For example, the building of marinas, breakwaters, and other coastal structures can disrupt the natural processes of sedimentation and erosion, leading to loss of littoral habitats.

See Also

• Intertidal zone
• Riparian zone
• Neritic zone
• Tide pool

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