![]() The spread of tides around the oceans can be thought of as many waves interacting with each other as well as the topography of the sea floor, with waves undergoing reflection, refraction, rotation and changes of speed. This variation is due to the response of the ocean to astronomical tidal forces, and the shape and depth of ocean basins, bays, and estuaries, which can have a funnelling effect. Image: Average tidal range at spring tides around Australia Why does tidal range vary from place to place?Īs shown in the map below, the average tidal range varies dramatically around the coastline, from less than one metre in southwest Australia, to more than eight metres in northwest Australia (and even higher, with more than 11 metres difference during king tides). Tidal currents are typically stronger in areas of large tidal range or during periods of increased tidal range (spring tides). Areas with a large tidal range look very different at high and low tide and the incoming tide can catch people unaware with deadly consequences. The tidal range influences the shape of beaches, as well as the marine life and marine activities occurring in an area.īoaters, fishers, and sightseers should carefully consider the tidal range in their plans. This will determine how much area is above water at low tide and underwater at high tide-the 'intertidal zone'. Tidal range is the difference between the maximum and minimum water levels during a typical tidal cycle. Read more about the causes of tides in our king tides explainer. All of these factors combine to create a complex tidal system across the world's oceans. There are other factors involved, including the sun's gravitational pull, the moon's declination (angular height above the equator), local geography and topography, and water depth. A similar displacement away from the moon occurs on the other side of the earth where the centrifugal force exceeds the moon’s gravitational pull. They are caused primarily by the gravitational pull of the moon, which is strong enough to displace the oceans towards the moon. Tides are the alternating rise and fall of surface water levels across oceans, beaches, estuaries, and harbours. So why the difference and why do boaters, fishers, and anyone who enjoys coastal activities need to know about it? Tidal range varies dramatically around our coastline-averaging from less than a metre in southwest Australia to a whopping 11 metres in the northwest.
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