Imagine the ocean water going up and down along the beach like a gentle giant breathing! That's basically what tides are.
What are Tides?
According to sources, tides are the rise and fall of water level in the oceans. Think about visiting the beach. Sometimes the water comes up very high onto the sand, and other times it is much further away. This change in water level is the tide.
While we see tides most clearly in the big oceans, this rise and fall can happen in other places too, like lakes, and even in something as small as your cup of water – although they are very, very small there and you wouldn't be able to see them!
High Tide and Low Tide
Tides are always changing, moving between a high point and a low point throughout the day.
- High Tide: This is when the sea level rises to its highest point. The water comes furthest up the beach or coastline.
- Low Tide: This is when the sea level falls to its lowest point. The water pulls back, leaving more of the beach or rocks exposed.
Here's a simple way to think about it:
| Tide Type | Water Level | Where is the Water? |
|---|---|---|
| High Tide | Highest Point | Further up the beach/shore |
| Low Tide | Lowest Point | Further out from the shore |
What Happens Because of Tides?
Tides are very important! They affect lots of things, like:
- Boats and ships: Sailors need to know about tides so their boats don't get stuck in shallow water at low tide or hit bridges at high tide.
- Sea animals: Many creatures that live near the shore have adapted to the changing water levels. Some hide or dig down when the tide is out.
- Fun at the beach: At low tide, you might find tide pools with interesting sea creatures or have more sand to build sandcastles! At high tide, you might enjoy swimming closer to the shore.
Understanding tides helps us know when the water will be higher or lower, which is useful for planning beach trips, surfing, or sailing!
