Tidal Patterns

Tidal patterns
Many factors influence the tides
Shape of the coastline
Configuration of the ocean basin
Water depth

Main tidal patterns
Diurnal tidal pattern
A single high and low tide each tidal day
Occurs along the northern shore of the Gulf of Mexico
Semidiurnal tidal pattern
Two high and two low tides each tidal day
Little difference in the high and low water heights
Common along the Atlantic Coast of the United States

Main tidal patterns
Mixed tidal pattern
Two high and two low waters each day
Large inequality in high water heights, low water heights, or both
Prevalent along the Pacific Coast of the United States