Question map
The interval between two high tides is approximately
Explanation
The interval between two successive high tides is approximately 12 hours and 25 minutes [1][t2]. This occurs because the Earth rotates on its axis while the Moon revolves around the Earth in the same direction. A lunar day, the time it takes for a specific point on Earth to rotate back to a position directly under the Moon, is approximately 24 hours and 50 minutes [t6]. Since most coastal regions experience a semidiurnal tidal pattern—characterized by two high tides and two low tides per lunar day—the interval between the two high tides is half of the lunar day, or roughly 12 hours and 25 minutes [c1][t3]. While factors like local geography and solar influence can cause minor variations, 12 hours is the closest approximate value among the provided options for a standard semidiurnal cycle [c2][t8].
Sources
- [1] Physical Geography by PMF IAS, Manjunath Thamminidi, PMF IAS (1st ed.) > Chapter 32: Ocean Movements Ocean Currents And Tides > Ebb And Flood > p. 503