Understanding Spring Tides
Spring tides are one of nature's most predictable phenomena. Despite the name, they have nothing to do with the season. The term comes from the concept of the tide "springing forth" with extra force.
Spring tides occur twice each month, bringing the highest high tides and the lowest low tides. This creates the largest tidal range you'll see in any given location.
What Causes Spring Tides?
Spring tides happen when the sun, moon, and Earth align in a straight line. This alignment occurs during two lunar phases: the new moon and the full moon.
During these phases, the gravitational pull of the sun adds to the gravitational pull of the moon. This combined force creates stronger than normal tides. The ocean bulges more dramatically, resulting in higher high tides and lower low tides.
The Gravitational Dance
Think of it like a cosmic tug of war. When the sun and moon team up on the same side, their combined gravitational force pulls the ocean water more strongly. This creates the extreme tides we call spring tides.
When Do Spring Tides Occur?
Spring tides follow a predictable schedule tied to the lunar cycle. You can mark your calendar for these events:
- New Moon: Every 29.5 days when the moon is between Earth and the sun
- Full Moon: Approximately 14 to 15 days after each new moon
This means you can expect spring tides roughly every two weeks throughout the year, regardless of the season.
Spring Tides vs Normal Tides
The difference between spring tides and normal tides varies by location. In some areas, spring tides might be only a foot or two higher than average. In places with naturally large tidal ranges, like the Bay of Fundy, the difference can be several feet.
Coastal areas experience the most dramatic effects. Beaches that are wide during normal low tide might nearly disappear during spring high tides. Conversely, spring low tides expose areas of the ocean floor that are usually underwater.
Real World Impact
The tidal range during spring tides can be 20 to 30 percent greater than during neap tides. For a location with an average tidal range of 6 feet, spring tides might create a range of 7 to 8 feet.
King Tides: Extra High Spring Tides
Sometimes spring tides are even more extreme. These are called king tides or perigean spring tides. They occur when a spring tide coincides with the moon being at its closest point to Earth (perigee).
King tides typically happen once or twice a year and can cause coastal flooding, especially when combined with storms or high winds. These events give us a preview of what regular high tides might look like in the future as sea levels rise.
Why Spring Tides Matter
Understanding spring tides is important for many coastal activities and considerations:
- Boating: Spring low tides can expose shallow areas and hazards normally covered by water. Navigation channels that are safe during normal tides might become impassable.
- Fishing: Many fish species are more active during spring tides due to increased water movement. The stronger currents stir up food and create better feeding opportunities.
- Beachcombing: Spring low tides reveal the most beach area and tide pools. This is the best time to explore intertidal zones and discover marine life.
- Coastal Living: Properties near the water may experience flooding during spring high tides. Seawalls and bulkheads face their greatest test during these events.
Planning Around Spring Tides
You can easily plan for spring tides by checking tide predictions for your area. Look for the dates of new and full moons, then expect spring tides for 2 to 3 days around those dates.
Most tide prediction services, including TideCharts.com, clearly indicate when spring tides are expected. This helps you plan activities that benefit from extreme low tides or prepare for potential high water issues.
Pro Tips for Coastal Activities
If you're planning a beach trip, fishing expedition, or boat outing, check whether spring tides will occur during your visit. Spring low tides are perfect for exploring tide pools and beachcombing. Spring high tides are ideal for launching boats in areas with limited water depth.
Regional Variations
The impact of spring tides varies dramatically by location. Geography plays a huge role in how extreme these tides become:
- Atlantic Coast: Moderate spring tide ranges of 2 to 4 feet above normal. Areas like Maine and the Canadian Maritimes see larger differences.
- Gulf Coast: Smaller differences due to the Gulf's geography. The enclosed nature of the Gulf of Mexico limits tidal ranges.
- Pacific Coast: Larger spring tide ranges, especially in the Pacific Northwest. Puget Sound and coastal Washington experience dramatic tidal swings.
- Alaska: Some of the most extreme spring tides in North America. Cook Inlet near Anchorage has tidal ranges exceeding 30 feet during spring tides.
Understanding your local tidal patterns helps you make the most of spring tide opportunities while avoiding potential hazards. Check your local tide charts regularly and pay attention to spring tide predictions for the best coastal experiences.