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Tides 1

Tides are the daily rise and fall of sea levels caused by the gravitational pull of the Sun and Moon, resulting in two high and two low tides each day. The size of these tides varies throughout the month, with the greatest difference occurring during full and new moons. Understanding tides is crucial for various industries and safety, as they can significantly impact activities like shipping and fishing, and pose dangers to beachgoers.

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10 views2 pages

Tides 1

Tides are the daily rise and fall of sea levels caused by the gravitational pull of the Sun and Moon, resulting in two high and two low tides each day. The size of these tides varies throughout the month, with the greatest difference occurring during full and new moons. Understanding tides is crucial for various industries and safety, as they can significantly impact activities like shipping and fishing, and pose dangers to beachgoers.

Uploaded by

Emmanuel
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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WHAT ARE THE TIDES?

Tides are the rise and fall of sea levels around the world. There are two high tides and
two low tides each day. The size of the high and low tides change over the month. During a
full moon or a new moon the difference between the high and low tide is at its greatest. This
is because when the Earth, the Sun and the Moon are in a line, the gravitational pull is at its
strongest.

WHY DO WE HAVE THE TIDES?


Gravity from both the Sun and the Moon pull water across the Earth’s surface. Just as the
Earth pulls water downwards (in waterfalls, for example), the weaker gravitational pull of the
Sun and Moon pull water sideways across the Earth.

WHY DO WE HAVE TWO TIDES A DAY?


As the Earth spins on its axis, the oceans on its surface are affected by two forces:
 One side of the Earth faces the Moon. On this side the sea is closer to the Moon and
the Moon's gravitational pull causes a tidal bulge (the first high tide of the day).
 A second tidal bulge (the second high tide of the day) is created by the centrifugal
force of the Earth and Moon orbiting a common centre of mass. This is the same
force you experience when you feel like you are going to be thrown off as you spin
around on a roundabout. This second bulge occurs on the opposite side of the Earth
from the side facing the Moon.

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO KNOW ABOUT TIDES?


Many industries require a knowledge of the tides, including shipping, fishing and coastal
engineering. Tides can also be dangerous. It is important to know if the tide is coming in or
going out. When the tide comes in (high tide) the whole beach can be covered by water.
Lifeboats are often needed to rescue people who do not realise that a high tide is coming that
could trap them.

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