Tidal Pool
Tide pools form where pools of water collect along the seashore in rocky hollows, at low tide. These rocky pools are flooded and drained by waters that rise and fall with the tidal rhythms of the sun and moon. Invertebrates and small fish find shelter from predators here... and beachcombers find a fascinating habitat to observe.
There are easier places in the ocean to live. Tides, temperature, and salinity (saltiness) of tide pools are constantly changing. Only hardy animals, mainly invertebrates, can survive. When the tide is high, they are in danger of being washed away by the pounding waves. When the tide is low, they are in danger of being dried out by the sun.
The Minnesota Zoo's tide pool exhibit is located between the Great Hall and Clubhouse Cove. It is approximately 18 by 18 feet in diameter, between three and a half to four feet deep, and contains 6,000 gallons of water. It also includes a surge tank which sends 1,000 gallons of water crashing into the exhibit at about three to five second intervals. This hands-on exhibit represents a rocky Pacific northwest coastline tide pool.
Photo: 2008 06 21 USA MN Apple Valley Minnesota Zoo 17-36-51_0162
Tidal Pool
Tide pools form where pools of water collect along the seashore in rocky hollows, at low tide. These rocky pools are flooded and drained by waters that rise and fall with the tidal rhythms of the sun and moon. Invertebrates and small fish find shelter from predators here... and beachcombers find a fascinating habitat to observe.
There are easier places in the ocean to live. Tides, temperature, and salinity (saltiness) of tide pools are constantly changing. Only hardy animals, mainly invertebrates, can survive. When the tide is high, they are in danger of being washed away by the pounding waves. When the tide is low, they are in danger of being dried out by the sun.
The Minnesota Zoo's tide pool exhibit is located between the Great Hall and Clubhouse Cove. It is approximately 18 by 18 feet in diameter, between three and a half to four feet deep, and contains 6,000 gallons of water. It also includes a surge tank which sends 1,000 gallons of water crashing into the exhibit at about three to five second intervals. This hands-on exhibit represents a rocky Pacific northwest coastline tide pool.
Photo: 2008 06 21 USA MN Apple Valley Minnesota Zoo 17-36-51_0162