Tides are the regular rise and fall of the ocean’s surface due to the gravitational pull of the moon and the sun. The moon’s gravitational pull is much stronger than the sun’s, so it has a greater influence on the tides. The cycle of the tide is known as the tidal cycle and it is affected by the position of the moon and the sun. This article will answer the question: How long does a full tidal cycle last?
What is a Tidal Cycle?
A tidal cycle is the regular rise and fall of sea levels due to the gravitational pull of the moon and sun. This is caused by the moon’s gravitational pull, which is much stronger than the sun’s. As the moon orbits the Earth, its pull causes the Earth’s oceans to bulge in the direction of the moon, creating high tide. When the moon is on the opposite side of the Earth, the gravitational pull is lessened, resulting in a low tide.
How Long Does A Full Tidal Cycle Last?
A full tidal cycle, which is the time it takes for one high and one low tide to occur, typically lasts six hours and 13 minutes. This period is known as a lunar day, and it is equal to the time it takes the moon to orbit the Earth. The moon completes one orbit of the Earth in 27.32 days, so a full tidal cycle occurs every 12.42 hours.
Factors That Affect The Length Of A Tidal Cycle
The length of a tidal cycle can be affected by several factors, including the location of the coastline, the shape of the ocean basin, and the position of the moon and sun. The shape of the coastline can have an effect on the length of the tidal cycle. If the coastline is curved, this can slow down the tide, resulting in a longer tidal cycle. The position of the moon and sun can also affect the length of the tidal cycle. When the moon is at its closest point to the Earth, known as perigee, it has a stronger gravitational pull, which causes higher tides and a longer tidal cycle.
When Is High Tide?
High tide typically occurs twice per tidal cycle. It occurs when the moon is closest to the Earth, resulting in a strong gravitational pull. High tide typically lasts for three to four hours. The exact time of high tide can vary depending on the location and can be affected by the shape of the coastline and the position of the moon and sun.
When Is Low Tide?
Low tide occurs twice per tidal cycle, when the moon is farthest away from the Earth and its gravitational pull is weaker. Low tide typically lasts for two to three hours. The exact time of low tide can vary depending on the location and can be affected by the shape of the coastline and the position of the moon and sun.
What Are Spring and Neap Tides?
Spring and neap tides are two types of tides that occur during a tidal cycle. Spring tides occur when the moon is at perigee and its gravitational pull is strongest. This results in higher-than-normal high tides and lower-than-normal low tides. Neap tides occur when the moon is at apogee and its gravitational pull is weaker. This results in lower-than-normal high tides and higher-than-normal low tides.