Tides Lecture Review

Flashcards for reviewing key concepts about Tides.

High water

The peak of a high tide.

Low water

The peak of a low tide.

MTL: mean tide level

Average height; midpoint of tides.

MLT: mean low tide

Average level of low tide.

Flood tide

Tide rising.

Ebb tide

Tide falling.

Slack water

When tides turn; minimal water movement; peak HT & LT.

King tide

Extra high & low tide cycles.

Semidiurnal tides

Two equal low tides and two equal high tides per day.

Diurnal tides

One low tide and one high tide per day.

Mixed tides

Two unequal low tides and two unequal high tides per day.

Mean Tide Level (MTL)

Long term average water level across tidal cycle.

What are the two forces that cause tides?

Gravitational Force and Centripetal Forces.

When do Spring Tides occur?

Full and New Moons, Solar and lunar bulges in parallel.

When do Neap Tides occur?

bulges are perpendicular, Minimal amplitude, Quarter moon phases.

What is declination?

Moon's orbit changes angle above/below the equator.

What are King Tides?

Happens when the moon, Earth, and sun align, causing the greatest tidal effects of the year which leads to coastal flooding.

Tidal Currents

Water movement due to tides.

Tidal bore

Wall of turbulent water; abrupt change in water level.

Why do tide monitoring stations have to take measurements for at least 19 years?

The 18.6 years declinational period of the Moon.