Introduction to Tides

This textbook provides a comprehensive introduction to tides, covering key topics such as tide-generating potential, lunar periodicities, tidal constituents, wave models, shallow-water effects, co-oscillation, resonance, frictional and radiation damping, vertical structure, and internal tides. It is suitable for advanced undergraduate and postgraduate courses, as well as researchers and coastal engineers.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 222 pages
Publication date: 20 June 2019
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

This comprehensive textbook serves as an essential guide for advanced undergraduate and postgraduate courses on tides in oceans and coastal seas. It is also a valuable resource for researchers and coastal engineers seeking detailed information about tides. The book covers a wide range of topics, including:

Derivation of the Tide-Generating Potential: This chapter provides a mathematical framework for understanding the forces that drive tides. It explains how the gravitational interactions between the moon, sun, and Earth result in the generation of tidal potentials.

Systematic Overview of Lunar Periodicities: The book provides a detailed examination of the lunar periodicities, which are the fundamental cycles that govern the tides. It explains how the moon's gravitational pull affects the Earth's water, leading to the formation of high and low tides.

Intuitive Explanation of the Origin of Tidal Constituents: The author offers a clear and concise explanation of the origin of the main tidal constituents, such as the semidiurnal, diurnal, and mixed tides. It explains how these constituents are generated by the tidal forces acting on the Earth's water.

Basic Wave Models for Tidal Propagation: The book discusses various wave models for tidal propagation, including Kelvin waves, the Taylor problem, and shallow-water constituents. These models help in understanding the dynamics of tidal currents and their interactions with the ocean's surface.

Shallow-Water Constituents: This chapter explores the physical properties and behavior of shallow water, which is a crucial component of tidal dynamics. It discusses the effects of depth, shoreline configuration, and bathymetry on the formation and propagation of tides.

Co-Oscillation and Resonance: The book discusses the phenomenon of co-oscillation and resonance, which occur when two or more tidal constituents oscillate at the same frequency. It explains how these interactions can lead to the generation of complex tidal patterns and the formation of tidal bores.

Frictional and Radiation Damping: The chapter explores the mechanisms that dampen the tidal currents, including frictional drag and radiation damping. It explains how these processes affect the speed and direction of tidal flows.

Vertical Structure of Tidal Currents: The book provides a detailed analysis of the vertical structure of tidal currents, including the formation of tidal streams and the influence of depth on tidal flow patterns.

Separate Chapter on Internal Tides: This chapter focuses on internal tides, which are tides generated within the ocean due to the density variations caused by ocean stratification. It discusses the generation, propagation, and characteristics of internal tides, including vertical modes and their effects on ocean stratification.

Exercises are provided in each chapter to reinforce the concepts discussed and to assist students in understanding the material better.

This textbook is an invaluable resource for anyone interested in tides, whether they are students, researchers, or coastal engineers. Its comprehensive coverage of tides, coupled with its clear and concise explanations, makes it an essential tool for advancing our understanding of this complex natural phenomenon.

Weight: 460g
Dimension: 175 x 246 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781108464055