Some places have a greater tidal range than others. The tidal range is the difference between the ocean level at high tide and the ocean at low tide (Figure 14.12). These areas are the low tides (Figure 14.11). Since ocean water is pulled higher in the areas of the two high tides, there is less water in between the two high tides. These two water bulges on opposite sides of the Earth aligned with the Moon are the high tides. The Moon’s gravity pulls more on the planet than the water on the opposite side. This is because the Earth is closer to the moon than the water on its far side. The side of the Earth that is furthest from the Moon also has a high tide ‘bulge’. Wherever the moon is, as it orbits the Earth, there is a high tide ‘bulge’ that stays lined up with the Moon. How does the Moon affect the oceans? Since the Moon is a relatively large object in space that is very close to the Earth, its gravity actually pulls Earth’s water towards it. High tide occurs where the water is bulging. Water on the opposite side of the Earth is pulled least by the moon so the water bulges away from the moon. The Bay of Fundy has one of the greatest tidal ranges on Earth.įigure 14.11: High tide is created by the gravitational pull of the moon which pulls water toward it. The main factors that causes tides are the gravitational pull of the Moon and the Sun (Figure 14.10).įigure 14.10: High tide (left) and low tide (right) at Bay of Fundy on the Gulf of Maine in North America. Tides are the daily changes in the level of the ocean water at any given place. Wind is the primary force that causes ocean surface waves, but it does not cause the tides.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |