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Jim Oakden
Moss Landing Marine Laboratories
P.O. Box 450, Moss Landing, CA 95039

 

I. Beach Structure and Formation


II. Overview of Beach Meiofauna and Macrofauna


III. Zonation of Beach Macrofauna

A. Upper zone

1. Environmental influences
2. Dominant Species: Talitrid amphipods, Insects & kin, Oligochaetes

B. Mid zone

1. Environmental influences
2. Dominant Species: Excirolana spp.

C. Swash zone

1. Environmental influences
2. Dominant Species: Sand crab, Archaeomysis, Nephtys

D. Low intertidal zone

1. Environmental influences
2. Dominant Species: Pismo Clam, Spiny Mole Crab, other fauna

E. Transient organisms

1. Environmental influences
2. Dominant Species: Sand dollar, Vellela


IV. Selected Sandy Beach Resources


   
Reviewed: September 08, 2023
Web Site Owner: National Ocean Service

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