The rocky shore is a rugged environment, battered by surf and changing seasons, and exposed to dramatic daily swings in temperature, salinity, pH, and other environmental factors. Students will use field ecology techniques (transects and quadrats) to look at patterns of organism abundance along physical gradients. Surveys can focus broadly on diversity, or on specific organisms with a stronger focus on adaptations and form/function. The following locally abundant organisms are good candidates: asian shore crabs (Hemigrapsus sanguineus), periwinkle snails (Littorina littorea), rockweed (Fucus vesiculosus), knotted wrack (Ascophyllum nodosum), acorn barnacles (Semibalanus balanoides).

To prepare for this trip: Students should be in sensible footwear (sneakers, boots, crocs) for our exploration in the rocky habitat. The rocks can be slick with algae and closed-toe shoes are ideal.