TidesMay 2013

What is a TIDE?

Rise and fall in ocean levels

Most observable at the coastlines

What is a TIDE?

2 High tides and 2 Low tides occur daily

Approx. 6 1/2 hours apart

What causes TIDES?

The Moons gravity pulls up on the oceans because they are not attached to the Earth.

The Suns gravity also pulls up on the oceans.

Spring Tides

Occur during New and Full moons

Earth, Moon, and Sun align

Gravity from the Sun and Moon PULL on the oceans in the SAME direction

Big difference between High and Low tides

Neap Tides Occur during Quarter moons (Half moons)

Earth, Moon, and Sun form a right angle

Gravity of Moon and Sun PULL in DIFFERENT directions

Little difference between High and Low tides

Tidal Range Difference between High Tide and Low Tide in an area

High Tide – Low Tide = Tidal Range

Changes with positions of the Moon and Sun

Bay of Fundy, Nova Scotia, CABay of Fundy from

spaceTide variation at Bay of

Fundy