Physical Factors on the Sandy Beach. Part I. Tidal, Climatic, and Edaphic

Abstract

SUMMARY The distribution and activities of animals and plants upon the sandy beach are largely influenced by the special physical factors operating in that environment. The paper is a contribution to the knowledge of these factors. The tidal ebb and flow, and the resulting alternations of exposure, are the outstanding factors. The extent to which other factors may be operative upon the beach, during the period of ebb-tide, depends upon the vertical distance of the point in question above or below mean sea-level.