Question map
Tidal range denotes the :
Explanation
Tidal range is defined as the vertical difference in height between high tide and low tide [t1][t2]. It represents the difference between the maximum and minimum water levels during a typical tidal cycle [t1]. This range varies significantly based on astronomical factors and geographical features. For instance, when the Earth is at perihelion or the Moon is at perigee, the gravitational forces are stronger, resulting in a greater tidal range [c1][c4]. Conversely, at aphelion or apogee, the range is less than average [c1][c4]. Local topography also plays a crucial role; funnel-shaped bays and wide continental shelves can magnify tidal magnitudes, leading to higher ranges, whereas mid-oceanic islands often experience lower ranges [c3][c5]. While tides themselves are caused by gravitational forces (Option 3), the specific term 'tidal range' refers strictly to the height difference between the high and low water marks [t5][t6].
Sources
- [1] https://media.bom.gov.au/social/blog/1677/explainer-tidal-rangethe-difference-between-high-and-low-tide-around-australia/
- [2] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tidal_range
- [3] FUNDAMENTALS OF PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY, Geography Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 13: Movements of Ocean Water > Tides based on the Sun, Moon and the Earth Positions > p. 110
- [4] Physical Geography by PMF IAS, Manjunath Thamminidi, PMF IAS (1st ed.) > Chapter 32: Ocean Movements Ocean Currents And Tides > Based On Perigee and Apogee > p. 506
- [5] FUNDAMENTALS OF PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY, Geography Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 13: Movements of Ocean Water > Figure13.2 : Relation between gravitational forces and tides > p. 109
- [6] Physical Geography by PMF IAS, Manjunath Thamminidi, PMF IAS (1st ed.) > Chapter 32: Ocean Movements Ocean Currents And Tides > Characteristics of Tides > p. 508
- [7] https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/cause-effect-tides/