Question map
The periodic rise and fall of ocean water in response to gravitational forces is called
Explanation
The periodical rise and fall of the sea level, typically occurring once or twice a day, is defined as a tide [1][2]. This phenomenon is primarily caused by the gravitational attraction exerted by the moon and, to a lesser extent, the sun [1][2][4]. The moon's proximity to Earth makes its gravitational pull the dominant force in generating these vertical motions of ocean water [7][8]. Additionally, the centrifugal force arising from the Earth's rotation acts as a counterbalancing factor to gravity, contributing to the formation of tidal bulges [1][2][4]. In contrast, ocean currents represent the continuous horizontal flow of water in a definite direction, while waves are primarily formed by wind friction on the water's surface [3][5]. Tsunamis are distinct, sudden displacements of water caused by seismic disturbances like earthquakes rather than gravitational forces [6].
Sources
- [1] Physical Geography by PMF IAS, Manjunath Thamminidi, PMF IAS (1st ed.) > Chapter 32: Ocean Movements Ocean Currents And Tides > 32.2. Tides > p. 500
- [2] FUNDAMENTALS OF PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY, Geography Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 13: Movements of Ocean Water > TIDES > p. 109
- [4] Physical Geography by PMF IAS, Manjunath Thamminidi, PMF IAS (1st ed.) > Chapter 32: Ocean Movements Ocean Currents And Tides > UPSC Prelims 2015] Tides occur in the oceans and seas due to which among the following? > p. 501
- [7] https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/education/tutorial_tides/tides02_cause.html
- [8] https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/cause-effect-tides/
- [3] Physical Geography by PMF IAS, Manjunath Thamminidi, PMF IAS (1st ed.) > Chapter 32: Ocean Movements Ocean Currents And Tides > 32. Ocean Movements – Ocean Currents And Tides > p. 486
- [5] FUNDAMENTALS OF PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY, Geography Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 13: Movements of Ocean Water > MOVEMENTS OF OCEAN WATER > p. 108
- [6] https://www.tsunami.gov/?page=tsunamiFAQ