Which coastal zone lies between the high-tide line and the low-tide line?

• A. Neritic Zone
• B. Littoral Zone
• C. Pelagic Zone
• D. Bathyal Zone

Answer: (B)

The main concept here is how nearshore areas are defined by tidal exposure. The coastal band between the high-tide line and the low-tide line is the littoral zone, also known as the intertidal zone. This zone is alternately submerged and exposed as tides rise and fall, so organisms there must withstand immersion, desiccation, changing salinity, and wave action.

That combination of conditions is unique to the littoral/intertidal zone, unlike the neritic zone, which lies from the low-tide line to the edge of the continental shelf and refers to the shallow shelf waters; the pelagic zone, which is the open water column away from the bottom; and the bathyal zone, a deep offshore region on the continental slope.