The movement of tide refers to the cyclic rising and falling of ocean water levels caused primarily by the gravitational forces exerted by the Moon and, to a lesser extent, the Sun on the Earth's waters. It entails the regular and predictable changes in the elevation of the sea surface at various locations throughout the world’s oceans.
Tides occur as the result of the gravitational attraction between the Earth and celestial bodies. As the Moon orbits the Earth, its gravitational pull causes the water on the side of the Earth nearest to the Moon to be drawn towards it, causing a bulge or a high tide. Simultaneously, a second bulge occurs on the opposite side of the Earth due to the centrifugal force generated as a result of the Earth and Moon's orbital motion. This creates a low tide. The variation between high and low tides is termed the tidal range.
The movement of tide is influenced by various factors, such as the alignment of the Sun, Moon, and Earth, the proximity of the Moon to Earth, and the shape of the coastline. Additionally, local topography and bathymetry also affect the specific characteristics of tides at different locations.
The study of the movement of tide is crucial for navigational purposes, marine biology, coastal engineering, and understanding the impact of tidal currents on coastal ecosystems. Tide tables and predictive models are created to assist sailors, fishermen, and coastal residents in efficiently navigating and managing their activities in response to the changing sea levels.
