Home > Shorelines > Concept #7 Quiz
Tides result from the sudden faulting of the ocean floor, producing a “tidal wave” called a tsunami. Tides are daily changes in the elevation of the ocean surface. Tides are a rhythmic rise and fall of the elevation of the ocean surface along coastlines. Tides result from the gravitational attraction exerted upon Earth by the Moon and the Sun.
The ocean water is “pulled” toward the Moon on the side of the Earth facing the Moon. The ocean water is “pulled” away from the Moon on the side opposite the side of the Earth that faces the Moon. The ocean water on the sides perpendicular to the Moon is “stretched” toward the Moon-facing side of the Earth. The ocean water on the sides perpendicular to the Moon is “squeezed” toward the side of the Earth opposite of the Moon.
Indicate the description for each label on the diagram.
For each item below, use the pull-down menu to select the letter that labels the correct part of the image.
the shape of the coastline the wave velocity at the coast the water depth off the coast the configuration of ocean basins
Match the tide types and patterns with the appropriate description:
Using the pulldown boxes, match each item on the left to the corresponding item at right.
Match the tidal current or feature with the appropriate description:
Tidal currents cause a smoothing of the ocean water surface, in turn causing the Earth’s rotation to increase. Spacing of tree growth rings show that the year and length of day were longer in the Earth’s past. Tidal currents cause a frictional drag on the ocean floor, effectively slowing the Earth’s rotational speed. Evidence from fossil coral growth patterns indicate that Earth rotated faster in the past so that days were shorter.
