Tides can be classified in a number of ways, including by frequency, range, and type.

Frequency

Tides can be classified by frequency based on the number of high and low tides that occur each day. The three main types of tidal frequencies are:

  1. Diurnal tides: One high tide and one low tide per day.
  2. Semi-diurnal tides: Two high tides and two low tides per day.
  3. Mixed tides: A combination of diurnal and semi-diurnal tides, with the number of high and low tides varying per day.

Range

Tides can also be classified by range, which is the difference in height between the high and low tides. The three main types of tidal ranges are:

  1. Microtidal tides: A range of less than 2 meters.
  2. Mesotidal tides: A range of 2 to 4 meters.
  3. Macrotidal tides: A range of more than 4 meters.

Type

Tides can also be classified by type, based on the forces that cause them. The three main types of tides are:

  1. Astronomical tides: Caused by the gravitational pull of the moon and the sun.
  2. Meteorological tides: Caused by atmospheric pressure changes and winds.
  3. Seiches: Caused by the resonant oscillation of water in enclosed or semi-enclosed bodies of water, such as lakes and bays.

Examples

Here are some examples of different types of tides:

  1. Diurnal tides: Diurnal tides are common in the tropics, where the moon passes overhead twice a day.
  2. Semi-diurnal tides: Semi-diurnal tides are common in temperate and polar regions, where the moon passes overhead once a day.
  3. Mixed tides: Mixed tides are found in many coastal areas, where the shape of the coastline and the ocean basin can affect the frequency of the tides.
  4. Microtidal tides: Microtidal tides are found along most of the coast of California.
  5. Mesotidal tides: Mesotidal tides are found along most of the coast of the United States, as well as along the coasts of Europe and Asia.
  6. Macrotidal tides: Macrotidal tides are found along the coast of Canada, the Bay of Fundy, and the coast of Patagonia.
  7. Astronomical tides: Astronomical tides are the most common type of tide. They are caused by the gravitational pull of the moon and the sun.
  8. Meteorological tides: Meteorological tides are less common than astronomical tides. They are caused by atmospheric pressure changes and winds.
  9. Seiches: Seiches are rare, but they can occur in enclosed or semi-enclosed bodies of water, such as lakes and bays.

Tides are a complex phenomenon that is influenced by a variety of factors. However, the classification of tides by frequency, range, and type can help us to better understand and predict the tides.