Low-Tide Surprise

Everyone knows about the tides; the constant rising and falling of water along the shore. But pockets along the shore create pools that form when the tide falls. These pools are like a small oasis that become a safe haven when the tide goes down and thus are filled with marine life. Some creatures get stuck in these pools when the tide goes down such as octopuses that hide and wait until the tide comes back up. Some animals make it their permanent home such as barnacles, urchins and mussels. These animals latch on to the rocks to stand up against crashing waves and and hermit crabs have shells that keep them save from danger. Other animals find their food there such as dog whelks and sea stars that love to chow down on a juicy a mussel. The tide pools are an amazing source of discovery and a must see along the coastline.