Which term describes a tide that is influenced by weather and can be affected by storm surge or wind?

Prepare for the IB Marine Science SL Exam. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions that include hints and explanations. Ace your exam!

Multiple Choice

Which term describes a tide that is influenced by weather and can be affected by storm surge or wind?

Explanation:
Weather can modify sea level on top of the regular gravitational tides. A meteorological tide describes those variations in tide level caused by atmospheric conditions like wind and pressure, including storm surge and wind-driven setup. Strong onshore winds push water toward the coast and raise the sea level, while low pressure in storms can further elevate tides. This is different from the lunar tide, which comes from the Moon’s gravitational pull and drives the regular rise and fall, and from ebb or flood currents, which describe the direction of water flow within the tidal cycle. So, the term that best describes a tide influenced by weather and capable of being affected by storm surge or wind is meteorological tide.

Weather can modify sea level on top of the regular gravitational tides. A meteorological tide describes those variations in tide level caused by atmospheric conditions like wind and pressure, including storm surge and wind-driven setup. Strong onshore winds push water toward the coast and raise the sea level, while low pressure in storms can further elevate tides. This is different from the lunar tide, which comes from the Moon’s gravitational pull and drives the regular rise and fall, and from ebb or flood currents, which describe the direction of water flow within the tidal cycle. So, the term that best describes a tide influenced by weather and capable of being affected by storm surge or wind is meteorological tide.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy