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COAST DIVERS . COM
INTRODUCING THE WORLD TO THE BEST OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA, ONE DIVER AT A TIME
LOBSTER SEASON 2003 BEGINS SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 27, 2003 AT 12:01 AM
ARTICLES IN DIVING
We hope to introduce the divers of Southern California to research now occurring off of the Southern California coast. If you know of any worthy research now occurring, or that has happened in the past, drop us a line at info@calcoastdivers.com to post on our site and create a link to your web site! Thanks for checking us out!
CAL COAST DIVERS, NOW SERVING:
SAN DIEGO COUNTY
ORANGE COUNTY
LOS ANGELES COUNTY
VENTURA COUNTY
SANTA BARBARA COUNTY
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THE TIDAL ZONES OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
THE SPLASH ZONE | THE HIGH INTERTIDAL ZONE | THE MIDDLE INTERTIDAL ZONE |
An in-depth page dedicated to the tide pools of the California coast. In these pages you will find detailed information on the environment, the organisms, and locations where you can enjoy some of the best tide pools in Southern California.
With so much to see underwater, the simple beauty of the tide pools are often lost on divers. Whether diving around the islands, or doing a beach dive there is plenty to see if you pack yourself some shoes with good grip and have a little patience. Although our coastline varies dramatically in composition, the challenges for organisms making their living in the tidal zone are the same. Pounding surf, fluctuations in temperature, desiccation, lack of nutrients, and predation are the main obstacles facing any organism who lives in the tidal zone. As you will see all the organisms who live in this range have exceptional adaptations for living in this zone. To the casual observer, the tidal zone and tidal pools in particular are home to many species of algae, sea snails, crabs, shrimp, and anemones.
The tidal zone is only partially submerged under water during high tide. Here in California we experience two high tides and two low tides and is referred to as diurnal tide. Tide height itself is governed by the gravitational forces exerted upon the ocean by the sun and the moon. Although the sun is much larger than the moon, the moon is much closer to the earth and therefore exerts a larger influence over our tides. Because of the predictability of the gravitational forces of the sun and moon, tides are predicted with accurate results over a year in advance.
Often times the promise of life below the ocean can be seen from far off on the road side in the form of the giant kelp, (Macrocystis pyrifera). The truth is the rich marine ecosystem begins just above the waters edge at the tidal zone. The tidal zone can be subdivided into three sections, the high intertidal zone, the middle intertidal zone, and the low intertidal zone.
THE ZONES
THE HIGH INTERTIDAL ZONE
| HERMIT CRAB | SHOE CRAB |
Typically most Open Water divers diving in Southern California will be best suited with paddle fins. Since many people are not used to the slow and deliberate kicking style they find themselves fatiguing easily when trying to keep up with a more experienced buddy. To the novice diver, paddle fins offer a very forgiving way to master the proper kicking style in that they tend to move fairly easily through the water and they can be used in a variety of different kicking styles! One should always remember no one is racing you when you are diving so take your time. Paddle fins can easily propel an experienced diver through the water quickly, and very easily tone muscles in the more novice diver. On top of the ability to use several kicking styles, paddle fins also offer excellent maneuverability and are not susceptible to currents. If you plan on taking up underwater photography or overhead environment diving such as wreck and cave diving but you are a little worried about your leg strength pick up a pair of paddle fins.
THE MIDDLE INTERTIDAL ZONE
SEA URCHIN | LAMINARIA | SURF GRASS | ABALONE | SEA PALM |
The middle intertidal zone is heavily impacted by changes in tide, environmental factors, and predation.
THE LOW INTERTIDAL ZONE
SEA URCHIN | LAMINARIA | SURF GRASS | ABALONE | SEA PALM |
The low intertidal zone largely remains covered by the ocean. However many factors influence the types of organisms that are able to dwell in this ecosystem.
SEA URCHIN | LAMINARIA | SURF GRASS | ABALONE | SEA PALM |
Copyrighted by Ryan Jaeger & Matthew J. Wahlrab 2002 - 20032