TIDAL VARIATION

DESCRIPTION: Tidal variation within any one area depends on several factors, namely, the positions of the sun and moon, and the configuration of the coastline. Bay of Fundy in Nova Scotia has the largest tidal range of over 50 ft. The Cook Inlet in Alaska has about the fifth highest range at over 30 ft.

Figure 1 - Cook Inlet Alaska has one of the highest Tidal Ranges in the world (> 30ft.). Here, the withdrawing tide exposes expansive mud flats and tidal channels. Ripple marks are also produced (see photo below) (Photo 1973)

Figure 2 - Cook Inlet, Alaska. Receding and advancing tides produce Symmetrical Ripples.