Question

On June 17th 2003, in Santa Barbara, California, the morning low tide was measured at \(-0.365 \mathrm{~m}\). High tide was measured at \(1.12 \mathrm{~m}\). Calculate the tidal range between these tides.

Short answer

The tidal range is 1.485 meters.

Step-by-step solution

Understanding Tidal Range

The tidal range is the difference in height between the high tide and the low tide. This is usually calculated by subtracting the low tide measurement from the high tide measurement.

Setting Values

The given low tide measurement is \(-0.365 \, \text{meters}\) and the high tide measurement is \(1.12 \, \text{meters}\).

Calculating the Tidal Range

To find the tidal range, subtract the low tide value from the high tide value:\[\text{Tidal Range} = 1.12 - (-0.365)\]

Solving the Equation

Calculate the following:\[\text{Tidal Range} = 1.12 + 0.365 = 1.485 \, \text{meters}\]

Key concepts

High Tide

High tide occurs when the seawater reaches its highest level on the shore due to the gravitational pull of the moon and the sun. This natural phenomenon creates a rise in sea level, leading to the covering of coastal areas that are usually dry.
Understanding high tides is essential because they affect various daily activities, such as shipping schedules, fishing times, and can even influence coastal ecosystems.

• Importance for Shipping: High tides allow larger ships to navigate into ports and harbors, which is crucial for trade and transportation.
• Influence on Fishing: Many coastal fishing activities depend on high tides for the best catch since fish are more active and easier to catch during these times.
• Impact on Coastal Areas: High tides contribute to the natural erosion process of beaches and can also lead to flooding in low-lying areas.

Knowing the precise time and height of high tide helps in managing these activities and provides valuable information for marine and coastal management.

Low Tide

Low tide is the point when the sea level drops to its lowest height, exposing parts of the shore that are typically underwater. Like high tide, the low tide is significantly affected by the gravitational forces of the moon and the sun, as well as Earth's rotation.
Observing low tide provides several insights and benefits across different fields:

• Accessibility for Exploration: During low tide, areas like tide pools and rocky shores become accessible for marine exploration and study, revealing organisms and habitats that are usually submerged.
• Harbors and Navigation: During low tide, navigation in shallow waters is challenging, and smaller boats must often avoid some routes.
• Beach and Recreational Activities: Low tide reveals more beachfront, offering extended areas for recreational activities like walking, shell collecting, and beach sports.

Observing low tides can help in planning coastal activities safely and sustainably, ensuring the protection of marine life and human interests.

Tide Measurements

Tide measurements are essential for understanding the variations in sea level due to tides and are crucial for coastal management, marine navigation, and scientific research. Knowing how to measure tides accurately aids in planning and regulating various activities along the coast.

• Measurement Tools: Tide gauges are the primary instrument used to measure tidal changes. These sensors are installed along coastlines and ports to provide continuous, precise recordings of sea level fluctuations.
• Data Usage: Tidal data is used to produce tide tables, which predict high and low tides for given locations and dates. These predictions are vital for maritime industries, coastal construction, and ecological research.
• Tidal Range Calculation: Calculating the tidal range involves finding the difference between the high and low tide measurements. This is important for activities such as engineering projects near waterways, ensuring structures accommodate for maximum sea level changes.

Understanding how tides are measured and calculated is fundamental for anyone involved in coastal activities, providing a basis for effective planning and management of marine and coastal environments.