Intertidal zonation on sandy beaches of the West coast of South Africa
Bally, R. (1983). Intertidal zonation on sandy beaches of the West coast of South Africa. Cah. Biol. Mar. 24(1): 85-103
In: Cahiers de Biologie Marine. Station Biologique de Roscoff: Paris. ISSN 0007-9723; e-ISSN 2262-3094, meer
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| Abstract |
Two schemes have been proposed to explain the zonation shown by the macrofauna on sandy beaches. Dahl (1952) suggested three zones characterized by indicator species, while Salvat (1964) proposed four zones determined by the hydrodynamic conditions occurring within the sediment. Zonation on the west coast of South Africa was studied on three exposed beaches. Four intertidal distribution zones were determined using several statistical analyses. These zones were found to correspond to those proposed by Salvat (zones of drying, retention, resurgence and saturation) and described in hydrodynamic terms by Pollock and Hummon (1971). The advantages of the system proposed by Salvat over that of Dahl are discussed, and the zonation found on west coast sandy beaches is compared with that found on other beaches of the world. |
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