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The daily tidal range is greatest during the Spring tide. This is when the moon and the sun are either together in the sky or they are on opposite sides of the heavens.
it is at its lowest.
The tidal range may be small in some areas due to the geography and shape of the coastline, which can limit the flow of water. Additionally, factors such as the distance from the open ocean, the depth of the water, and local weather conditions can also impact the tidal range.
High tides are a human construct: the relatively small change in the depth of water wouldn't mean much to e.g. a fish inhabiting the upper reaches of the sea. Of course, tidal range makes a difference to creatures inhabiting the land covered by the tidal range, but that's a different question.
A small tidal range offers several benefits, particularly for coastal ecosystems and human activities. It helps to maintain stable habitats for marine life, reducing the risk of erosion and habitat loss during extreme tidal events. Additionally, it can facilitate navigation and recreational activities by providing consistent water levels, making it safer and more accessible for boating and fishing. Furthermore, a smaller tidal range can lessen the impact of storm surges, protecting coastal communities from flooding.
The large tidal range in Jersey is mainly due to its geographical location in the English Channel, which experiences strong tidal currents. The funnel shape of the channel amplifies the tidal effects, resulting in a significant difference between high and low tides. Additionally, the island's relatively shallow waters further enhance the tidal range.
The highest tidal range in the lunar cycle occurs during the spring tides, which happen during the full moon and new moon phases. During these times, the gravitational forces of the Moon and the Sun align, resulting in greater tidal fluctuations. The maximum tidal range can vary significantly depending on the location, but it can exceed 20 feet (6 meters) in some coastal areas.
A spring tide has the greatest tidal range. A neap tide has a smaller tidal range.
neap tidespring tide
Spring tide
The Bristol Channel has the 3rd biggest tidal range in the world of 15m.
The tidal range varies due to the positions of the Earth, Moon, and Sun, typically cycling through a pattern of spring and neap tides. Spring tides, which have the highest tidal range, occur approximately every two weeks during the full and new moons. Neap tides, which have the lowest tidal range, occur about a week after the spring tides. Therefore, roughly 7 to 14 days pass between the lowest and highest tidal ranges.