TIDES

Tides are changes in the sea levels due to the gravitational attraction of the moon and the sun
on the earth and by the rotation of the earth.

HIGH TIDES AND LOW TIDES:

A high tide is created on the sides of the earth which are closest and furthest from the moon,
and a low tide is created on the opposite sides of the earth.
Since the earth makes one full rotation on its axis, there are 2 high tides and 2 low tides in a
24 hour basis.

SPRING TIDES
Spring tides take place twice each month, at new moon and at full moon. This is when the
gravitational attraction of the Earth by the Sun is in the same direction as the gravitational
attraction of the Earth by the Moon, producing a maximum combined attraction of the Earth.
These tides are therefore the highest high tides and the lowest low tides.

NEAP TIDES
Neap tides occur twice each month, at the 1st quarter and 3rd quarter phases of the Moon.
This is when the gravitational attraction of the Earth by the Sun and the gravitational
attraction of the Earth by the Moon produce a minimum combined attraction of the Earth.
These tides are therefore the lowest high tides and the highest low tides.
THE EFFECTS OF TIDES
● A storm surge occurs if the low-pressure eye of a hurricane sucks the ocean water into
a swell and pulls it on to a coastal region. If this occurs during a spring tide, the sea
level can rise significantly.
● Tidal bores occur at the mouths of rivers when the flow of water downstream meets a
rising high tide and raises the water level even higher. If the riverbanks are steep and
the width of the river upstream decreases significantly, the rise in water level can be
very pronounced.

Coastal erosion due to tides

Coastal erosion of land and beaches can be caused by changing tides and constant wave
action. The force of the water can continuously erode the soil and rock or move sand from
one place to another. This can cause trees to be uprooted, destroying habitats of plants and
animals. Landscapes can be drastically changed, and the organisms that live there can be
forced to migrate or die.

Effects of tides on organisms

Life along the shoreline is subjected to harsh physical conditions, dependent on the tides.
Organisms must be capable of existing above and below the saline (salt) water. The areas of
shoreline exposed to the Sun and air at low tide but covered by water at high tide can be
divided into intertidal zones.

These zones are subjected to variations in:

❖ Moisture

❖ Temperature

❖ Salinity
 ❖ Water turbulence

Coastal Intertidal Zones:

Intertidal Zones Conditions

Splash Zone Sea spray- hot and dry
High tide zone ● Most stressful zone for the few animals that live there.
● Organisms are exposed to high temperaure, low moisture and
pounding of waves.
● These orgainisms have tough exoskeletons and are mobile
Mid-tide zone ● Exposed to sun and air
● Submerged in salt water
● Organisms living here are in pools which protects them from
dehydration and predators.
Low tide zone ● Submerged which does not varies the temperature, moisture and
salintiy.
● A wide variety of aquatic plants and animals

Video to watch:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3RdkXs8BibE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GPVomM6DBAA
# Q A
1

3 Specimen 2009

4 June 1995

5 June 2001

6 Specimen 2008
June 2018 No 6
(a) John notices that there are two high tides and two low tides on the coastline each day.
With the aid of a diagram, explain how these tides are formed, and outline THREE
effects of these tides on organisms found on the coastline. (5)
(b) Effects on organisms found on the coastline (3)

June 2005 No. 6

(b) What is the difference between high tide and low tide? (2)