Water Zone

Discover the watery wonders of the Great Barrier Reef. How do waves influence the shape of coral and the Reef? How do the moon and sun create tides? Why do currents mean survival for many of the Reef’s animals? What happens to the reef during a cyclone? The answers to these fascinating questions plus more will be revealed as you explore this zone.

Twenty-six major river catchments comprising approximately 25% of the land area of Queensland drain directly into the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. Coral Reefs only develop in areas of the ocean with good penetration of sunlight and clean, clear water. Given these conditions remarkable coral reef ecosystems, representing some of the richest and most complex ecosystems on earth have developed.

Water levels can vary by as much as six metres in the Great Barrier Reef region because of the tides. There are two high tides and two low tides each day. The intertidal areas are the rocks or reef areas that are continually covered and uncovered by the tides. Animals living in the intertidal zone need to cope with being both underwater and above water for part of each day. They must also maintain a firm grip to avoid being washed away by waves.

Although the sea is an alien environment to humans, they too have developed special equipment that has allowed them to explore and move around in this wet world. Come and observe the animals of the intertidal zone and experience underwater animal sounds in the Water Zone.