Tide Pool Discovery

Twice a day the water on the ocean shore rises and falls. These changes in water level are called tides. It’s fun to explore tide pools that form on rocky shores. At high tide the white water swooshes over the rocks and at low tide the waves do not reach the pools of water left among the rocks.     

God made ways for animals to survive when waves pound on the rocks and sand. Crabs dig into sand with their clawed legs. Clams bury themselves in the sand. Anemones have many arms called tentacles. When they close them they look like balls as big as a grapefruits. Sea urchins are covered with long, sharp spines that help them move along. They eat small plants that grow on rocks.

At low tide mussels lie closed on the mud. With their many threads, they attach themselves to the grass along the shore. When the tide comes in they open their shells to eat. Muskrats live near fresh water in salt marshes and feed on shoreline grass.

The splashing waves over the rocks, sand and grass bring shells, seaweed, driftwood and other sea life into tide pools. Next time you visit a beach, see what you can find.