Marigram is a nautical term used to refer to a graphical representation of the tides over a specific period of time. Its spelling follows the rules of English phonetics, with "ma-ri-gram" being pronounced as /ˈmærɪɡræm/. The word consists of four syllables, with stress falling on the second syllable, and is derived from Latin roots "mare," meaning sea, and "-gram," meaning a drawing or written representation. Understanding the phonetic transcription of marigram helps to correctly enunciate it while using it in conversations or written forms.
A marigram refers to a graphical representation or record that depicts the fluctuations in the height or level of water in relation to land over different time periods. It provides visual or written information about the tides, wave actions, or changes in sea levels. Marigrams are typically used for monitoring and analyzing the tidal patterns and variations in coastal areas, harbors, or estuaries.
Marigrams are considered valuable tools for displaying tidal information to understand the patterns and behavior of water levels along shorelines. They showcase the cyclic nature of tides, including high tides, low tides, and tidal currents. These records are created by measuring and recording the heights of water at regular intervals over time, usually using pressure transducers or tide gauges.
Marigrams often consist of a horizontal axis representing time and a vertical axis representing water level or depth. The plotted or printed data on the graph enable water level changes to be easily observed and interpreted. Advanced marigrams may also include annotations or additional information such as tidal constituents, lunar phases, and meteorological conditions that affect the water levels.
Scientists, oceanographers, hydrologists, and coastal engineers extensively utilize marigrams for various purposes, including predicting tidal patterns, assessing the vulnerability of coastal infrastructure, or determining suitable periods for marine activities like shipping, construction, or recreational purposes. Marigrams are essential in both monitoring and managing coastal regions, ensuring safety and enabling informed decision-making in relation to oceanic activities and coastal development.
The word "marigram" is derived from the combination of two Latin words: "mare" meaning "sea" and "gramma" meaning "letter" or "writing". The term marigram refers to a graphical representation or a written record of the tides.