The three distinct rhythms of the tide

The three distinct rhythms of the tide

The Gulf of Mexico has diurnal tides (one high daily), while the US East Coast has semidiurnal tides (two equal high tides). The US West Coast has mixed tides, featuring two unequal high tides daily.

Why the ocean has tides

Chapter 1

The cosmic tug of war

Chapter 2

The Sun enters the dance

Chapter 3

Coastal shapes and local rhythms

Chapter 4

Tides and the web of life

Ch 3 · Coastal shapes and local rhythms
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Moon & Tide Tales
BETA

nic Drag the Moon around Earth to discover how gravity pulls the ocean tides.

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nic The three distinct rhythms of the tide

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nic Where the ocean stands completely still

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nic How the Bay of Fundy amplifies tides

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nic How tidal bores surf up narrow rivers

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nic Bay of Fundy Tides

Fundy sways to the rhythm of the moonlit sky, And its funnel shape pushes the water high.

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The three distinct rhythms of the tide

nic Coastlines experience diurnal, semidiurnal, or mixed tides depending on local geography and ocean depth.

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Fun Fact

No-tide zones: The Mediterranean Sea has almost no tides because its narrow opening at Gibraltar blocks the Atlantic's tidal wave.

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Where the ocean stands completely still

nic There are several points in the global ocean where the tide height never changes.

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Quiz

Which location is famous for having the highest tidal range in the world, up to 16 meters?

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Gossip

Would you surf a 9-meter river wave?

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Quiz

If a coastline has two high tides of significantly different heights each day, what is this tide called?

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Quiz

What type of tide features only one high tide and one low tide each day?

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Quiz

What causes a 'tidal bore' to form in certain rivers?

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Quiz

Why does the Mediterranean Sea have very small, almost unnoticeable tides?

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Quiz

What is the term for a point in the ocean where there is virtually no tidal rise or fall?

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Quiz

What physical phenomenon occurs when the natural sloshing of a bay matches the ocean's tidal cycle?

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Quiz

Which river in China is home to the world's largest and most famous tidal bore?

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