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 tidal variations for navigation, construction, and environmental studies.

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 represents the vertical difference between consecutive high and low waters.

3. Importance of Tidal Range Calculation

Details: Understanding tidal range is crucial for coastal zone management, port operations, fishing activities, and predicting tidal energy potential.

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 a typical tidal range?
A: Tidal ranges vary globally from a few centimeters (microtidal) to over 16 meters (macrotidal) in places like the Bay of Fundy.

Q2: Why is tidal range important for navigation?
A: It determines safe passage times, dock accessibility, and under-keel clearance for vessels.

Q3: How often do tides cycle?
A: Most coastal areas experience two high tides and two low tides each lunar day (24 hours and 50 minutes).

Q4: What affects tidal range?
A: Coastal geography, moon phase (spring/neap tides), and weather conditions (storm surges) all influence tidal range.

Q5: How accurate are tidal predictions?
A: Modern predictions are typically accurate to within ±10cm, but weather can cause variations.