High Tides Science Project Idea

High Tides Science Project Idea

Why, at times, there are especially high tides. Usually about twice a month the tides are especially high. During the winter of 1919-1920 such a tide accompanied by a wind from the ocean flooded Coney Island and Rockaway Beach near New York, wrecking many buildings. At the same time a large part of the water front of New York City was covered with water.

This occurred at the time of the full moon. At every full moon and new moon the tide' is especially high. On the other hand, when the moon is at first and third quarters, the high tides are especially low.

The accompanying diagrams show the relative positions of the earth, moon, and sun at these times. From examination of these diagrams explain the cause of the especially high tides at certain times.

Evidently the theory that the tides are caused by the force of gravitation, studied by Sir Isaac Newton, can be accepted, as it offers a satisfactory explanation of the cause of tides and is in harmony with all the facts that we have observed concerning them.

In mid-ocean the tide cannot be observed, but it is very noticeable when it strikes against the land. Sometimes because of the character of the coast line the tides rise to a great height, as in the Bay of Fundy, Nova Scotia, where they are more than sixty feet high. Some shallow harbors can be entered or left only at high tide.

Do tides possess energy? Can you suggest a way by which this energy might be utilized?

The information which we have learned concerning the movement of the moon around the earth may help us to solve another problem.