Earth:Tidal course

A tidal course is any elongated indentation or valley in a wetland originated by tidal processes, or having another origin, along which water flows pumped by tidal influence. A tidal course creates a system for its ecosystem that circulates water, sediments, organic matter, nutrient, and pollutants.

A tidal course is a general denomination that includes a series of indentations within a wide spectrum of sizes (width, length, and depth) and with at least two levels of inundation. Examples of tidal courses are tidal rills, tidal grooves, tidal gullies, tidal creeks and tidal channels. The first three are small features that normally do not contain water even during neap low tide, whereas creeks and channels have water permanently. A tidal course is essential to the surrounding flora and fauna because they provide protection, nutrients, a place to reproduce, and a habitat for juvenile species before they go into the ocean.