A tidal plain, also known as a tidal flat or mudflat, is a type of coastal wetland that is periodically flooded and drained by the tides. These low-lying areas are typically covered by mud, sand, or silt, and are home to a wide variety of plant and animal species adapted to the conditions of the tidal zone. Other synonyms for tidal plain include intertidal zone, estuarine habitat, and salt marsh. Each of these terms describes a slightly different type of coastal environment, but all share the common characteristic of being influenced by the ebb and flow of the tides.