Tides Case Essay Example for Free

Tides Case Essay 1)why the east cost has one high and one low tide a day but other parts of the world have two per day? The most common type of tide around the world is the semi-diurnal type; this consists of two high and two low tides per day. Semi-diurnal tides occur when water is not uniformly raised; this may be due to ocean currents, tributary rivers and other out and in flowing systems. This results in water sloshing around, making the tide phases twice per day. The coast off Florida however, has a diurnal type of tide, having only one low and one high tide per day. Diurnal tides occur when water is relatively trapped, resulting in a uniform movement resonating from the center which follows the lunar phases. 2) How is it we are experiencing GLOBAL WARMING LA NINA? I am confused how both can exist at the same time. The world’s temperature is increasing due to global warming. La Nià ±a is brought upon by the abnormal cooling of the pacific Ocean. How can this two phenomena coexist? The Earth’s temperature is regulated by wind and ocean currents, evenly distributing the Earth’s heat. The increase in the Earth’s temperature is an added strain to this system, implying that the currents need to distribute more heat. In distributing this heat, some areas become abnormally cool while other become abnormally hot. Whaen the abnormally cool area falls upon the Pacific Ocean, La Nià ±a then occurs. 3)Is gravity the only cause of a wave change in shape at the shoreline? Gravity plays an important part in determining what shape a wave takes as it approaches the shore. However, strong winds that hit the wave can also mould it, either making it roll, or making its top crumble altogether. Additional, the tide in effect near the shore can define how high a wave is when approaching. Source: Calvert J.B. (2003) Tidal Observations Retrieved April 12 2007 from http://www.du.edu/~jcalvert/geol/tides.htm#Gulf