Navigation General · Currents
What is the primary difference between a tidal current and a tidal height?
- ATidal height and tidal current always reach their maximums simultaneously
- BTidal current is the horizontal flow of water; tidal height is the vertical rise and fall✓ Correct
- CTidal current only occurs in rivers, not in coastal waters
- DTidal height is measured in knots; tidal current in feet
Explanation
Tidal height refers to the vertical rise and fall of water level, measured in feet or meters. Tidal current is the horizontal movement of water resulting from tidal forces, measured in direction (set) and speed (drift in knots). They are related but are separate phenomena — maximum current often does NOT coincide with high or low tide.
Authority: NOAA Tide Tables; Bowditch (Pub. 9), Ch. 9
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