“Waves & Tides”
16.2
How heavy is water?
How would it feel if all this water fell on you?
Movement of Ocean Water
Moving water is Powerful!

•	Waves
–	Energy moving between ocean and atmosphere.
–	Transfer energy over great distances!

•	Tides
–	Changes in sea level
Review: What causes waves?
•	Wind Friction!
•	Coriolis Effect
•	Density changes

	Q: What caused these waves?
•	Must add energy to create waves.

Wave Characteristics:
Wave “Period”
Time for 1 wavelength to pass a  fixed point.

Height, Wavelength & Period…
…determined by:
•	Wind Speed
•	Time wind has blown
•	Fetch
–	distance wind blows over water
Tides:
Changes in Sea L____
Cause = gravity from Moon (& Sun!)
•	Spring Tide = Moon & Sun together = High
•	Neap = Opposites = Low
Tidal Patterns
•	Diurnal
–	1 high, 1 low
•	Semidiurnal
–	2 H, 2 L
•	Mixed
–	Unequal Highs & Lows