Geography
You are watching the sea waves from the balcony of a seaside resort in Mumbai on a New Moon Day. Suddenly you noticed rise of sea water and its movement towards the coast. What was this wave and after how much time will it be repeated?
Answer
It was a tidal wave which I observed where the sea water rises and moves towards the coast. Tidal waves occur due to the gravitational pull of the moon and the sun on the Earth's oceans.
Tidal waves are most prominent during the occurrence of spring tides. Spring tides happen during the new moon and full moon phases when the gravitational forces of the moon and the sun align.
The interval between two consecutive tidal waves is approximately 12 hours and 26 minutes. Thus, I can expect to witness another tidal wave approximately 12 hours and 26 minutes after observing the previous one.
Related Questions
What is the effect of Gulf Stream on the coasts of North America and Western Europe?
Give a reason for each of the following:
(i) The waters of the Oyashio Current form the richest fishing grounds in the world.
(ii) There is heavy rainfall in Queensland but the Atacama desert is arid.
(iii) Rich fishing grounds are located on the Pacific coast of North America.
Describe three major effects of currents.
Imagine that the Ocean Currents stop flowing. What would be its consequences for the human beings?