Tides play a crucial role in shaping coastal ecosystems by influencing various aspects such as nutrient cycling, sediment transport, and species distribution. The rise and fall of tides bring in nutrients and oxygen-rich water, which can support diverse marine life. Tidal currents also help in distributing plankton and other food sources, affecting the entire food chain in coastal areas. Additionally, tides can impact the physical structure of coastal habitats through erosion and sediment deposition, thereby shaping the overall ecosystem dynamics.
