Tides and Coastal Morphology

Flashcards covering key concepts from lecture notes on tides and coastal morphology, including definitions, examples, and influences.

What is the definition of tidal range?

The difference between high and low tides.

Which location is known for having the biggest tidal range?

The Bay of Fundy, Nova Scotia, Canada.

How much water is moved in the Bay of Fundy, and how often?

7100 billion tonnes of water, twice a day.

Why does the Bay of Fundy experience such high energy tides?

The tide sloshes in with a lot of energy (resonance).

What is a spring tide?

A stronger, bigger tidal bulge that occurs when the moon and sun are in line.

What is a neap tide?

A lower tidal range that occurs when the moon and sun are at right angles.

How does the depth of the sea influence the magnitude of tides?

When oceanic tidal bulges hit wide continental margins, the height of the tides can be magnified.

What kind of bay shape can dramatically alter tidal magnitude?

Funnel-shaped bays.

What is the High Water Mark (HWM)?

The area covered at high tide.

What is the Low Water Mark (LWM)?

The area exposed at low tide.

What impact can water cutting a notch have on a beach profile?

It can result in the profile becoming less steep.

What does a less steep beach profile encourage?

Constructive rather than destructive waves.

What does the 'to-and-fro' action of waves on a beach profile ultimately result in?

A state of equilibrium.

What type of rock is easily eroded by tidal currents?

Soft rock.