What is the time gap in occurrence of two successive tides at a given

What is the time gap in occurrence of two successive tides at a given place on the ocean surface?

[amp_mcq option1=”12 hours” option2=”12 hours 26 minutes” option3=”24 hours” option4=”24 hours 52 minutes” correct=”option2″]

This question was previously asked in

UPSC NDA-1 – 2019

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The time gap between the occurrence of two successive tides (e.g., two high tides or two low tides) at a given place on the ocean surface is approximately 12 hours and 26 minutes.

– Tides are primarily caused by the gravitational pull of the Moon and, to a lesser extent, the Sun.
– The Earth completes a rotation relative to the Sun in 24 hours (a solar day).
– However, the Moon also orbits the Earth in the same direction as Earth’s rotation. For a point on Earth to return to the same position relative to the Moon, it takes slightly longer than a solar day, approximately 24 hours and 50 minutes (a lunar day).
– There are usually two high tides and two low tides in one lunar day (semidiurnal tides).
– Therefore, the time between two successive high tides (or low tides) is about half a lunar day, which is approximately 12 hours and 25 minutes or 12 hours and 26 minutes.

The actual timing and amplitude of tides at any given location can be influenced by various factors, including the alignment of the Sun and Moon (leading to spring and neap tides), the shape of the coastline, and the depth of the water.

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