Pronunciation: [tˈa͡ɪdə͡l lˈandz] (IPA) 
Tidal lands, or areas that are flooded by tides, can be spelled phonetically as /ˈtaɪdəl lændz/. The word "tidal" is pronounced with a long "i" sound like the word "eye", followed by a short "a" sound like the word "cat". The second syllable, "dal", is pronounced with a short "a" sound and a silent "l". The word "lands" is pronounced with a short "a" sound like the word "cat", followed by a "z" sound at the end.
Tidal lands, also referred to as intertidal zones or tidal flats, are areas of coastal land that are influenced by the regular rise and fall of tides. These lands are located between the highest and lowest points reached by the tide and are characterized by their unique ecological and geological features.
Tidal lands are found along coastlines around the world and can vary significantly in their physical characteristics depending on factors such as the tidal range, sediment composition, and wave action. They can include sandy beaches, marshes, mudflats, estuaries, and rocky shores, among others. Tidal lands serve as valuable habitats for a wide array of plant and animal species that have adapted to the challenging and dynamic conditions of this environment.
Due to the regular exposure to air and water, tidal lands experience substantial changes in their physical and chemical conditions, such as salinity, temperature, and moisture content. These fluctuations create a diverse range of microhabitats that support various forms of life, including algae, seagrasses, salt-tolerant plants, crustaceans, mollusks, and numerous species of birds and fish. Tidal lands also play crucial roles in nutrient cycling, water filtration, and shoreline stabilization.
The dynamic nature of tidal lands makes them susceptible to human impact and disturbance from activities such as urban development, pollution, and habitat destruction. Consequently, the conservation and protection of these valuable coastal areas are of utmost importance to sustain their unique biodiversity and ecological functions.
The word "tidal lands" is a combination of two separate English words, each with its own etymology:
1. Tidal: The term "tidal" originates from the Old English word "tidol" or "tid(e)ol", which meant "of the tides". It is derived from the Proto-Germanic word "tīdô", meaning "time" or "season". The concept of tides, the regular rising and falling of the sea level, dates back to ancient times. In English, "tidal" came to refer to anything related to or affected by the tides, including areas that are submerged or exposed by the tides.
2. Lands: The word "land" comes from the Old English word "land", which had the same spelling and meaning. It can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "landą".
