The Littoral Karren of Neroutsos Inlet Northern Vancouver Island

Abstract

<p> Limestones exposed in the intertidal zone display numerous pits and basins which form where bodies of water are isolated during tidal retreat. These harbour both macro- and microscopic organisms whose metabolites enhance aggressivity and cause solution; grazing and boring activities further aid rock removal.</p> <p> In this area the basins are similar in shape throughout the littoral zone but they vary in size, the maximum relief being at mid tide level. Unlike the exposed west coast of Ireland, zonation is not well defined: the clearly identifiable morphologies associated with the biological zones in Ireland are not displayed here. Instead it resembles the karren of the more sheltered Bristol channel area but with less mechanical erosion. In both of these areas variations in lithology affect the details of the geomorphology, some beds being significantly more fractured and less pitted than others.</p>