Tides + Currents

What is gravities role in coastal environments ?

key source of energy and responsible for tides

When do tides happen ?

occurs when gravitational pull of sun or moon changes water levels

What is the difference in height in tides called ?

tidal range

What happens to tide when the sun and moon are perpendicular to each other ?

lowest high tide and highest low tide occur - both gravitational forces act against each other so overall pull minimised and creates smallest possible tidal range - NEAP TIDE

How do ripcurrents work ?

High frequency destructive waves come into shoreline - backwash is then forced under surface due to resistance from breaking waves forming an a strong outgoing underwater current. This can flow more quickly due to features such as gap in sand bar