1.2.4.1.2 Intertidal Marine

Definition: Those marine ecosystems within the substrate between high and low tides, exposed to and flooded by tides.

Definition Source: Classification of Wetlands and Deepwater Habitats of the United States, and Fundamentals of Ecology

Intertidal Marine Categories:

1.2.4.1.2.1 Intertidal Marine Aquatic Bed: Those intertidal marine ecosystmes within wetlands and deepwater habitats dominated by plants that grow primarily on or below the surface of the water for most of the growing season in most years. (Definition Source: Classification of Wetlands and Deepwater Habitats of the United States)

1.2.4.1.2.2 Intertidal Marine Reef: Those intertidal marine ecosystems dominated by ridge-like or mound-like structures formed by the colonization and growth of extensive exoskeleton building sessile invertebrates. Reefs include areas that are subtidal, irregularly exposed, regularly flooded, and irregularly flooded. Reefs are characterized by their elevation above the surrounding substrate and their interference with normal wave flow. This also includes large deposits of rock that are elevated above the surrounding substrate and change current flow. (Definition Source: Classification of Wetlands and Deepwater Habitats of the United States)

1.2.4.1.2.3 Rocky Intertidal Marine Shore: Those intertidal marine ecosystems within wetland environments characterized by bedrock, stones, or boulders that singly or in combination have an areal cover of 75% or more and an areal coverage of vegetation of less than 30%. (Definition Source: Classification of Wetlands and Deepwater Habitats of the United States)

1.2.4.1.2.4 Unconsolidated Intertidal Marine Shore: Those intertidal marine ecosystems within wetland habitats with three characteristics: (1) unconsolidated substrates with less than 75% areal coverage of stones, boulders, and bedrock; (2) less than 30% areal cover of vegetation other than pioneering plants; and (3) any of the following water regimes: irregularly flooded, seasonally flooded, temporarily flooded, intermittently flooded, saturated, or artificially flooded. (Definition Source: Classification of Wetland and Deepwater Habitats in the United States)