The Fascinating Rhythm of Tides: Why They Rise and Fall

We’ve all heard the terms "high tide" and "low tide," but do we really understand what they mean? What exactly happens in the ocean during high and low tide, why does it occur, and where can you witness it?

Tides are opposing phenomena where the sea level rises (high tide) and falls (low tide). This phenomenon primarily occurs due to the gravitational pull of the moon, which stretches the water on Earth's surface. When the moon is overhead, it creates a bulge of water, leading to high tide. Simultaneously, on the opposite side of the Earth, another high tide occurs. Imagine Earth as a clock: if one side, say 12 o'clock, is facing the moon, there will be high tides at 12 and 6. Meanwhile, there will be low tides at 3 and 9, because they are farthest from the moon.

Tides occur on beaches twice a day, or more precisely, every 25 hours. This cycle is influenced by the Earth's rotation on its axis and the moon orbiting Earth.

Tides happen in all water bodies on Earth, but they are most noticeable along ocean shores, especially rocky coasts where the difference in water levels between high and low tides is dramatic. Typically, this difference ranges from one to two meters. However, on large oceanic shores, and in extreme cases, it can reach 6-8 meters. Some claim this difference can even be as much as about 20 meters in some places.

The strength of the tides also varies with the seasons. Generally, tides are stronger in the fall and the spring. Interestingly, this intensity is actually influenced by the sun rather than the moon. During the equinoxes in spring and fall, the sun is directly over the equator. As a result, gravitational and centrifugal forces align, intensifying each other and leading to stronger high and low tides. In contrast, during the winter and summer, tides are weaker.