1. What is a Tidal Range Calculator?

Definition: This calculator determines the tidal range by calculating the difference between high tide and low tide heights.

Purpose: It helps marine professionals, coastal engineers, and researchers understand the vertical difference between high and low water marks.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( TR \) — Tidal range (meters)
• \( H_h \) — High tide height (meters)
• \( H_l \) — Low tide height (meters)

Explanation: The simple subtraction of low tide height from high tide height gives the tidal range, which is a key parameter in coastal studies.

3. Importance of Tidal Range Calculation

Details: Tidal range affects navigation, coastal erosion, tidal energy potential, and marine ecosystems. Understanding it is crucial for coastal management.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the high tide and low tide heights in meters. Both values must be ≥ 0, and high tide must be ≥ low tide.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is considered a low tidal range?
A: Typically, a tidal range less than 2 meters is considered low, but this varies by location.

Q2: Where can I find tide height data?
A: Tide tables from national hydrographic offices or coastal monitoring stations provide this information.

Q3: Why is tidal range important for coastal engineering?
A: It determines the vertical zone affected by tides, influencing structure design and flood risk assessment.

Q4: How does tidal range vary geographically?
A: It ranges from near zero in some seas to over 15 meters in places like the Bay of Fundy.

Q5: What's the relationship between tidal range and tidal type?
A: Diurnal tides have one high/low cycle daily, semidiurnal have two, and mixed show unequal highs/lows.