Mudflats

upright=1.45|thumb|General sketch-map of a tidal plain, showing the typical tripartition in supratidal zone|supratidal, [[intertidal and subtidal zones. The most apparent character of the area is the development of tidal channels, affecting mainly the intertidal zone. In this case, the tidal flat is protected seaward by a beach barrier, but in many cases (low-energy waves and longshore currents) the tidal flats may directly pass into a shallow marine environment.]] alt=Aerial photograph showing shallow turquoise water and scattered rocky outcrops forming tidal flats near Roscoff in Brittany, F