A field guide to the physical and biological processes that shape assemblages of organisms on Western Atlantic shorelines. Introduces the history of the Atlantic coast, tides, species, and the role of water movement in shaping shoreline communities. Examines the production and consumption of resources, the effect of recruitment on the communities, and the biological processes that affect shoreline organisms. Finally, discusses the ecology of the rocky shores, soft sediment beaches, and salt marshes that dominate the coast.