Why Tides?
NOTES - What you need to know!
•Tidal Range: the difference in water level between high tide and low tide. •The Moon's gravitational force is slightly stronger on the side of Earth that is closer to the Moon. •This small difference in the strength of the Moon's gravitational force pulls Earth's oceans into an elliptical shape. |
High Tide: when the water level is high.
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Low Tide: when the water level is low.
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VIEW FROM SPACE
The location of the earth and the moon determines the locations of the tides.
The location of the earth and the moon determines the locations of the tides.
NEAP AND SPRING TIDES
Spring Tides: the tidal bulges created by the Sun and the Moon line up in the same direction at the new moon and full moon, when the Sun, Earth, and Moon form a line. (higher high tides and lower low tides)
Spring Tides: the tidal bulges created by the Sun and the Moon line up in the same direction at the new moon and full moon, when the Sun, Earth, and Moon form a line. (higher high tides and lower low tides)
Neap Tides: When the Moon is at first quarter or third quarter, the Sun, Earth, and Moon form an "L" shape, and the tidal bulges of the Moon and the Sun make the shape of a plus sign (+). Neap tides have a smaller-than-normal tidal range (lower high tides and higher low tides)
TIDES NEAR US!
Find out how many times a day you have low tides in the nearest coastal area. 1. Select and record a state on the West Coast to investigate. 2. Select and record a specific location in the state to learn more about. 3. Count and record how many low tides happen in one day in the area you chose. 4. Change the "time range" at the bottom of the page to weekly. 5. Count and record how many low tides happen in one week. |