1. Waves and Tides Notes

2. Wave Characteristics
Most ocean waves derive their energy from the wind
Wave height: the vertical distance between trough and crest
Wavelength: horizontal distance between two successive crests or troughs
Wave period: the times it takes for one wave to pass a certain point

3. Wave Characteristics
The height, length, and period that are eventually achieved by a wave depend on three factors
Wind speed
Length of time wind is blowing
& fetch; the distance the wind has traveled across open water.

4. Wave Motion
Circular orbital motion allows energy to move forward through the water while the water particles that transmit the wave move around in a circle

5. Tides The regular changes in the elevation of the ocean surface
Tides form from the gravitational attraction exerted upon different parts of the Earth’s Surface by the moon, and by a lesser extent by the sun.

6. Tidal Patterns
Diurnal: a single high tide and a single low tide each tidal day
Semidiurnal: two high tides and two low tides each tidal day
Mixed: two unequal high water level heights, low water heights, or both