5.
Tide Clock Limitations
Tide fluctuations (high and low tide) vary from one location to another. The tide hand therefore will
indicate high and low tide at your specific location only. High and low tides have a fluctuation rhythm
between 12 and 13 hours. Therefore, the tide indicator will show average values only, which for
general requirements will be sufficient.
Other variables such as wind, atmospheric pressure, the relative position of the moon, and the
elliptical pattern of the sun will affect the tide slightly. These variables least affect the tide at the time
of the full moon. For this reason, the time of the full moon and to a lesser extent, the new moon are
generally the best times to set your tide clock. Even though you may experience some slight variations
during the days to come, you will find that they will “average out” and by the time of the next full
moon, your tide clock will accurately depict the correct time of flood and ebb stages.
Figure 8
This tide schedule is geared to tides for the east coast of North America. They will not accurately
depict tides for the west coast. Referencing Figure 9 below, the areas marked provide accurate tide
fluctuations.
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