Earth's Tides and Tidal Ranges

Earth's Tides

• Tides are daily changes in ocean water level due to gravitational forces from the sun and moon.
• Tidal force is the difference in gravitational pull between one side of Earth and the other.
• The moon's closer proximity to Earth results in a stronger tidal force compared to the sun's.
• The moon is the primary driver of tides on Earth.

High Tide vs Low Tide

• High tide is when the water level is higher than average sea level.
• Low tide is when the water level is lower than average sea level.
• Tidal bulges occur on both sides of Earth facing and opposite to the moon.
• As Earth rotates, locations experience high and low tides.
• Most locations experience two high tides and two low tides each day.

Tidal Ranges

• Tidal range is the difference between high and low tide levels.
• The tidal range varies depending on the positions of the sun and moon relative to Earth.
• Spring tides have a larger tidal range, occurring when the sun, moon and Earth are aligned.
• Neap tides have a smaller tidal range, occurring when the sun, moon and Earth form a 90-degree angle.

Timing of Tides

• Earth's rotation and the moon's orbit cause predictable tide cycles.
• A location facing the moon experiences high tide, while the opposite side experiences a high tide simultaneously.
• Each tide cycle takes approximately 24 hours and 50 minutes.
• The timing of tides varies slightly from location to location.

Specific Tide Examples (from provided data)

• June 3rd High Tide: 6:04 AM, Height 6.11m, Low Tide: 12:01 AM, Height 1.76m
• June 11th High Tide: 12:32 PM, Height 6.47m, Low Tide: 6:30 AM, Height 0.78m