WT_Introduction to Moving Water Lesson

Think about the ocean - it's not just a giant pool of still water, right? It's in motion, always. Have you ever wondered what causes it to move like that?

Well, that's what we're going to explore!

Let's start with waves. They're like the ocean showing off its energy. They can be small ripples caused by light breezes or massive walls of water formed by storms. But they're not just for surfers; waves play a crucial role in transferring energy across the ocean. They're not just water moving from one place to another; they're actually energy traveling through the water. 

Now, let's talk about tides. Tides are like the ocean's deep breaths, rising and falling in a rhythmic pattern. They're mostly due to the moon's gravity, with a little help from the sun. It's like the moon and sun are playing tug-of-war with the ocean! The outcome? High tides and low tides, which are essential for coastal ecosystems and even for us humans. 

We always hear about how the moon causes high and low tides. The moon's gravitational pull generates a force called the tidal force. The tidal force causes Earth—and its water—to bulge out on the side closest to the moon and the side farthest from the moon. These bulges of water are high tides. We went straight to the experts at NOAA for an explanation.

Watch the video below to learn more. 

---

 

 

 

The ocean is constantly moving, primarily due to waves and tides. Waves are energy traveling through the water, shaped by wind and other forces, while tides, influenced by the moon’s gravity, significantly impact coastal environments and marine ecosystems. 
 

 

UP NEXT:  Ocean Wave Generation

[CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 Links to an external site.] UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED | IMAGES: LICENSED AND USED ACCORDING TO TERMS OF SUBSCRIPTION - INTENDED ONLY FOR USE WITHIN THE LESSON. NOAA video used with permission from site.