![]() Storms and high tides fill the intertidal zones As the tides flow out ocean plants (flora) and sea animals (fauna) that make the intertidal zone their home or “habitat” remain exposed to the air or captured in nature’s mini-aquariums. The seawater that is trapped can be either small, shallow puddles found high up on the shore, or huge, deep holes nearer to the sea. This occurs as the tide turns from high tide to low tide. Rocky area before Smuggler’s Cove Tidepool stream – little rivulets causes by the waves move in and out of the intertidal zone Looking back to Abalone Bay from The Sea Ranch tide poolsĪ tide pool is a puddle of water remaining in the crevices and indentations of the shoreline rocks when the ocean recedes. The term “intertidal” refers to the area between the lowest low tides and the highest high tides. The environment you and your child will be exploring in The Sea Ranch tide pools is the rocky intertidal habitat. ![]() They are known by the unscientific name of king tides. On occasion, the tide levels have been known to be extreme. Tidal currents or the movement in the water are caused by the tides that ebb (during a falling tide) and flood (during a rising tide). When water moves up onto the beach it’s called high tide and when it goes back down, it’s low tide. The depth of those waves will rise and fall of sea levels twice a day. Tides are long slow waves caused by the combined effects of gravitational forces of the Moon, Sun, and rotation of the Earth. The water and any exposed seaweed also make the rocky floor extremely slippery. Even though the tide may be low, waves can still be high and knock your child over. Then invite your child to become an oceanographer for a day by making a scavenger list of possible animals and plants (fauna and flora) they may discover.īefore you go on your discovery walk, review with your child the “ Rules of the Tide Pools” posted here. Most importantly stress to your child to never turn your back to the ocean. Build the excitement of discovery by showing them photos of animals that you may see in the tide pools. Have your child become your teacher by sharing his wealth of knowledge. If your child has visited the beach and tide pools before, ask him what he recalls about that visit. Prepare your child for the anticipation of further discovery.Īs you and your child look out Abalone Bay’s window or take a walk along the ocean bluff suggest visit to the beaches below where ocean animals can actually be seen.Have background information ready to share.ĭepending on what your child already knows you may need to give them a brief overview of oceans and tide pools.To make the most of nature’s classroom for your child here are a few suggestions. Quick Tips for Sharing Sea Ranch Tide Pools with Your Child You can also find tide charts on our website here. ![]() As a guest at Sea Ranch Abalone Bay you can find tide charts in our digital Guidebook. Learn more hereĪlways check the tides charts before you go to assure the tides are low and tide pooling is safe for you and your children. Watch this video from the Exploratorium explaining King Tides. ![]() When King Tides occur during floods or storms, water levels can rise higher and have the potential to cause great damage to the coastline and coastal property. While the term “King Tide” isn’t a scientific term, it is used to describe very high tides, caused when there is alignment of the gravitational pull between sun, moon, and Earth. It also bring the lowest tides, making it perfect for tide pooling. King Tides bring our most extreme high tides of 7+ ft. This winter the California King Tides are December 23-24, 2022 and January 21-22, 2023. What better a Christmas present this winter (2022/23) than King Tides for tide pooling. King Tides Make Tide-Pooling Even Better! Therefore, gathered here are teaching tips and information about the incredible creatures commonly found in The Sea Ranch tide pools. And what greater pleasure could there be than to be at your child’s side, guiding their exploration of nature’s marvelous creatures unveiled in The Sea Ranch tide pools? As an educator myself, I want help you instruct your child to be a good steward of our planet. There is no greater joy than the exhilaration of children as they discover the wonders of the world about them.
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