What is the climate of the intertidal zone?

The climate of the intertidal zone is dependent upon the climate of the surrounding region. For example, the climate of the intertidal zone along the coast of Antarctica is icy and volatile, whereas the climate of the intertidal zone of a tropical island is warm and stable.

Because the water of the intertidal zone is so shallow, it is subject to change according to the weather conditions of the air above. In regions with frequently changing weather patterns, intertidal zones may lack biodiversity, since many aquatic organisms aren't able to adapt to the unstable climate. Another barrier to biodiversity is the high salt content of many intertidal zones.