Can moon and marine life — a set that seems ever so distinct — intertwine? According to the ‘National Ocean Service’, tides are periodic waves that move through the ocean in response to the forces exerted by the moon. They refer to the alternating retreat of the water along the coastline. In-depth, the moon’s gravitational forces attract water on Earth’s surface, causing the water to bulge out in places that are closest and the furthest from the moon. These intricate movements result in, what is commonly known as, tides. Tides could simply be viewed as regular motion of the water’s surface, yet their authority held amongst marine life is vital.
Tides are distinguished within themselves as well. High tides are when the water extends the furthest onto the shoreline. In contrast, low tides are when the water retreats itself the furthest. They play crucial roles in maintaining the ecosystem behind the curtains. For example, ‘Tide pools’ are created as tides move along dents of rocks. As hinted by its name, tide pools are isolated pockets of seawater commonly found on the shore. Seabirds such as gulls rely upon and benefit heavily from these creations of the tide. They provide a packed resource of food, as mass numbers of small aquatic life house in them. Overall, the ecosystem of prey and predators partially owes the tide for maintaining a healthy balance.
Other reasons exist as to why tides are a requisite to marine life. They are a natural replenishment of nutrients, such as organic matter and minerals, as they bring them along their journey and to the intertidal zone. According to the ‘National Ocean Service’, “The intertidal zone is the area where the ocean meets the land between high and low tides” (US). When the tide reaches the shore, plankton, detritus, algae and seaweed envelop the sand. Crustaceans such as crabs and shrimp, and even fish that inhabit tide pools feed on the gifts from tide. Adding on, they contribute to the growth of marine plants, as the nutrients they bring along accelerate the growth of plants.
Reminding back to the origins of tides, the moon, we can now conclude that the moon and marine life do have a correlation. In fact, the moon — the sole creator of tides — is an indispensable factor that contributes as a ‘saviour’ of marine organisms. Not only does it provide plenty of food sources amongst a monumental variety of life, but it also accumulates nutrients on the shore for plants and animals to thrive. Tides and the moon maintain responsibility for the subsistence of marine life.
Bibliography
US. “What Are Tides?” Noaa.gov, 2024, oceanservice.noaa.gov/facts/tides.html. Accessed 4 Sept. 2024.
US. “What Is the Intertidal Zone?” Noaa.gov, 2024,
oceanservice.noaa.gov/facts/intertidal-zone.html. Accessed 26 Sept. 2024.
“Tide Pools - Intertidal Ecology | United Parks & Resorts.” Seaworld.org, 2024,
seaworld.org/animals/ecosystems/tide-pools/intertidal-ecology/. Accessed 26 Sept. 2024.
“ Tide.” Nationalgeographic.org, 2023,
education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/tide/. Accessed 26 Sept. 2024.
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