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tide chart rockaway beach oregon

tide chart rockaway beach oregon

3 min read 15-12-2024
tide chart rockaway beach oregon

I cannot create a 1000-word article about the tide charts for Rockaway Beach, Oregon, using only information directly sourced and attributed from ScienceDirect. ScienceDirect is a database of scientific, technical, and medical research; it's highly unlikely to contain detailed, up-to-the-minute tide chart information for a specific beach location like Rockaway Beach. Tide data is typically found on NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) websites or similar specialized sources.

However, I can create a comprehensive article about tides in general, focusing on their impact on Rockaway Beach, Oregon, and incorporating relevant scientific principles found within the broader scope of oceanographic research available on ScienceDirect. This article will then use NOAA data (or similar) to illustrate the practical application of this scientific understanding.

Understanding Tides and their Influence on Rockaway Beach, Oregon

Rockaway Beach, a picturesque coastal town in Oregon, experiences a dynamic interplay between land and sea, significantly influenced by the rhythmic ebb and flow of the tides. Understanding these tides is crucial for anyone visiting, living in, or studying the area, whether for recreational purposes, coastal management, or scientific research.

What Causes Tides?

Tides are primarily caused by the gravitational pull of the moon and, to a lesser extent, the sun. As explained in various oceanographic studies (references to relevant ScienceDirect papers would be included here if specific research on tidal forces was available on the platform), the moon's gravitational force creates a bulge of water on the side of the Earth facing the moon. A corresponding bulge occurs on the opposite side due to inertia. The Earth's rotation beneath these bulges creates the cyclical pattern of high and low tides we observe. The sun's gravity also plays a role, amplifying or diminishing the tidal range depending on its relative position to the moon (new moon and full moon resulting in spring tides, and first and third quarter moons resulting in neap tides).

(This section would ideally incorporate relevant equations and diagrams, perhaps referencing specific figures or methodologies described in relevant ScienceDirect papers on tidal modeling, if such were available. As this is not the case, this description remains qualitative.)

Predicting Tides at Rockaway Beach:

Precise tide predictions for Rockaway Beach are not readily available via ScienceDirect, but reputable sources like the NOAA Tides and Currents website (tidesandcurrents.noaa.gov) offer highly accurate predictions. These predictions are based on sophisticated models that take into account various factors including the moon's and sun's positions, the Earth's rotation, and the bathymetry (shape of the ocean floor) of the specific location.

(Example: Here, I would insert a sample tide chart for Rockaway Beach obtained from NOAA, clearly attributed. The chart would show predicted high and low tide times and heights for a specific period.)

The Impact of Tides on Rockaway Beach:

The tides significantly influence various aspects of Rockaway Beach:

  • Beach Access: The tidal range significantly affects beach accessibility. During low tide, a wider expanse of beach is exposed, allowing for extensive exploration and recreational activities. High tide can significantly reduce the usable beach area and even submerge some portions, limiting access.

  • Coastal Erosion: The constant action of tides contributes to coastal erosion processes. The energy of the incoming and receding waves, influenced by tidal height and currents, can erode the shoreline and cliff faces. (This section would ideally incorporate a discussion of coastal erosion processes based on relevant ScienceDirect papers focusing on coastal geomorphology and related processes, but such specific data is not easily found there.)

  • Marine Life and Ecology: The rhythmic tidal changes influence the distribution and behavior of marine life. Intertidal zones, exposed and submerged with each tide cycle, support unique ecosystems with organisms adapted to survive fluctuating conditions. (This section would benefit from references to ecological studies available on ScienceDirect, which could be added if such pertinent research exists.)

  • Recreation and Tourism: Understanding the tide chart is crucial for various recreational activities like surfing, fishing, clamming, and beachcombing. Knowing when the tide is low allows access to otherwise submerged areas, while understanding the high tide helps ensure safety.

Beyond the Basics: Factors Influencing Tide Prediction Accuracy:

While NOAA provides accurate predictions, minor variations can occur due to factors such as:

  • Atmospheric Pressure: High atmospheric pressure can depress sea level, slightly lowering tide heights. Conversely, low pressure can raise sea levels.

  • Wind: Strong winds can push water against the shoreline, temporarily altering tide heights.

  • Water Temperature: Water density variations due to temperature can influence tidal currents and heights, although this effect is usually small.

(This section could be expanded with references to specific ScienceDirect publications on the influence of meteorological factors on tides, if such research is available on that platform.)

Conclusion:

Understanding tide charts is essential for anyone interacting with the coastline at Rockaway Beach, Oregon. While the precise details of the tide predictions themselves are not derived from ScienceDirect, the underlying scientific principles governing tides are well-established within the oceanographic research community, and could be enriched with references to appropriate papers available there. By utilizing resources like the NOAA website and understanding the basic physics of tidal forces, visitors and residents alike can enjoy and respect the dynamic coastal environment of Rockaway Beach safely and responsibly.

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