tidal variation

Tides are the regular, predictable rise and fall of sea levels caused by the gravitational forces of the Moon and the Sun on Earth. The Moon's gravitational pull is the primary driver, about 2.2 times stronger than the Sun's.12

These forces create bulges of water on the side of Earth facing the Moon and on the opposite side, resulting in approximately two high tides and two low tides each day. When the Sun and Moon align, their combined forces cause spring tides with larger ranges. When they are at right angles, neap tides with smaller ranges occur.12

Factors like continents, water inertia, and varying depths create complex tidal behaviors, leading to different tidal patterns globally. The Bay of Fundy experiences some of the largest tidal ranges. Tides also affect the atmosphere and Earth's interior.23