Capt. Paul Titus
I have a question for you.
When looking at the tide table if it says that 8 a.m. is the high tide does that mean the tide starts to rise at 8 a.m. or does that mean the tide is at its highest level at 8 a.m.? Your answer will be highly appreciated. Have a good day.
L.D.: What does HIGH and LOW tide times mean?
The time listed for the tides in the various tables indicate the maximum height of the tide at HIGH TIDE and the lowest level of the tide at the LOW TIDE time.
In considering the HIGH TIDE value, the tidal water begins to rise at a time well before it reaches its maximum height. When it reaches its maximum height it is referred to as being at HIGH TIDE. Upon reaching this zenith, it pauses for a brief moment or two then begins to fall until it reaches its lowest point. The low point for that cycle is designated as the LOW TIDE. The range of the tide is determined by comparing its maximum height to the lowest point. The difference between is referred to as the range and is generally expressed in feet and tenths or thousandths of a foot.
Ocean tides are caused by the gravitational pull of the sun and moon on the earth. Based on this astronomical data, tides can be predicted for years in advance. Most, if not all of the tidal data comes from data published by the United States Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). NOAA is the "official" agency that records, archives and predicts tidal information for the United States government.
These predictions are based on the astronomical data at main recording stations. Remember that the tide predictions are based on the gravitational pull of the earth, moon and sun on the ocean waters and do not take into account the weather. A strong wind or a prevailing wind for several days can negate the predicted gravitation pull.
Most places that surround the oceans of the world have two high and two low tides in a cycle. However, Louisiana, like most of the Gulf of Mexico, has only one high and one low tide in a daily cycle.
Captain Paul Titus
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