Oceans and Life: Tides and Tidal Energy

Vocabulary flashcards covering the concepts, navigation impacts, and energy applications of ocean tides based on Chapter 1: Oceans and Life.

Neap tides

Tides that occur when the gravitational pull of the Sun and the Moon acts in different directions, causing the difference between high tide and low tide to become smaller.

Gulf of Khambhat

A coastal region in India featuring one of the highest tidal ranges at about $12\,\text{metres}$, which is also identified as a major site for tidal energy development.

Very Large Crude Carriers (VLCCs)

Large vessels that often wait for hours to transit shallow areas such as the Singapore Strait during high tide to ensure sufficient water depth and avoid running aground.

Singapore Strait

A sea channel containing shallow areas where ships like Very Large Crude Carriers (VLCCs) must wait for high tide to transit safely.

Tidal currents

Strong water currents generated by large volumes of water flowing in and out of coastal areas, reaching speeds of $5-6\,\text{knots}$ (about $9-11\,\text{km/h}$).

High tide (fishing benefits)

A tidal state during which many fish move closer to the shore in search of food and shelter, allowing fishing communities to obtain a better catch.

Tidal energy

Electricity generated from the rise and fall of tidal water.

Major tidal energy sites in India

Specific coastal regions identified for tidal energy development along India's $11,098.81\,\text{kilometres}$ coastline, including the Gulf of Kutch, the Gulf of Khambhat, and the Sundarbans.