Ocean tides are the regular rise and fall of sea levels caused mainly by the gravitational pull of the Moon and the Sun on Earth’s oceans. The Moon’s gravity pulls water toward it, creating a high tide on the side of Earth facing the Moon. At the same time, another high tide occurs on the opposite side due to the centrifugal force caused by Earth’s rotation.
Tides influence coastal ecosystems, affect marine navigation, and shape the shoreline. Their timing and height vary depending on the positions of the Moon, Sun, and Earth, as well as the shape of the coastline. Understanding tides helps communities prepare for flooding and supports activities like fishing and shipping. Shutdown123