Oceans And Seas Questions Medium
High tide and low tide are two different stages of the ocean's water level that occur as a result of the gravitational pull of the moon and the sun on the Earth's oceans. The main difference between high tide and low tide lies in the water level and the timing of these events.
High tide refers to the point in time when the water level in the ocean is at its highest point along the shoreline. During high tide, the water reaches its maximum height, covering a larger portion of the beach or coastline. This occurs due to the gravitational pull of the moon and the sun, which causes the water to be pulled towards them, resulting in a rise in the water level.
On the other hand, low tide refers to the point in time when the water level in the ocean is at its lowest point along the shoreline. During low tide, the water recedes, exposing more of the beach or coastline. This occurs when the gravitational pull of the moon and the sun is weaker, causing the water to move away from the shore.
It is important to note that high tide and low tide occur twice each day, approximately every 12 hours and 25 minutes. The exact timing and magnitude of these tides can vary depending on various factors such as the location, the alignment of the moon and the sun, and the shape of the coastline.
In summary, the main difference between high tide and low tide is the water level along the shoreline. High tide refers to the maximum water level, while low tide refers to the minimum water level. These tidal changes occur due to the gravitational pull of the moon and the sun on the Earth's oceans.