The influence of tidal fronts on the distribution of intertidal fauna and flora
Crisp, D.J. (1989). The influence of tidal fronts on the distribution of intertidal fauna and flora, in: Ros, J.D. (Ed.) Topics in Marine Biology: Proceedings of the 22nd European Marine Biology Symposium, Barcelona, Spain, August 1987. Scientia Marina (Barcelona), 53(2-3): pp. 283-292 In: Ros, J.D. (Ed.) (1989). Topics in marine biology: Proceedings of the 22nd European Marine Biology Symposium, Barcelona, Spain, August 1987. European Marine Biology Symposia, 22. Scientia Marina (Barcelona), 53(2-3). 145-754 pp., more In: European Marine Biology Symposia., more |
| Abstract | The Irish Sea has strong tidal oscillations of heights up to 9 m at springs, and is the meeting point of cold-temperate and lusitanian faunas. Well defined tidal fronts exist at the northern thip (Malin Head) and on the east coast around Strangford Lough. The distribution of the fauna and flora of the intertidal zone at these fronts show clear discontinuities, due in part at least to the degree of mixing through tidal energy. The contribution of other factors, notably that of estuarine warming in summer, of dispersive influences at headlands, and of barren stretches of sandy coasts, subject to severe scour, all contribute to the quantitative biogeographical distribution of northern and southern elements of the Western European marine flora and fauna. In conclusion, the influence of tidal fronts and of other factors is discussed in relation to biogeographical limits of intertidal species outside Europe. The paper emphasises that persistent frontal systems have influences extending beyond the pelagic environment. |
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