The high surface tension of water explains why water dissolves ionic compounds, such as sodium chloride dissolves molecular compounds, such as glucose forms round droplets or flattened beads is less dense as a solid than a liquid

The high surface tension of water explains why water forms round droplets or flattened beads. Water has a high surface tension as a result of the intermolecular forces that hold the water molecules together. The surface tension ability of water is caused by its ability to form hydrogen bonds with other molecules around it; this causes water drops to take on a spherical shape.

The zone your looking for is the intertidal zone.