The supralittoral zone marks the upper extent of the intertidal and in
some cases is considered a terrestrial habitat i.e within the EUNIS
classification it is placed with the coastal habitats.
The supralittoral or 'splash
zone' is the area at the top of the shore that receives the salt spray from the
waves, as such, those shores experiencing greater exposure and salt spray from
waves have larger supralittoral zones. Rock angle, shade and local climate
also influence the extent of the zone.
The supralittoral zone
is characterised by rocks covered in lichens,
salt tolerant angiosperm and pools with variable salinity and temperatures.
The organisms are highly specialized to endure variable salinity,
periods of exposure and occasional immersion during storms.
In this example tadpoles are found in the supralittoal rockpools of the shore.