Carolina Beach Tide Chart: Your Comprehensive Guide to Tides and Currents
Understanding the Carolina Beach Tide Chart
The Carolina Beach tide chart is a graphical representation of the predicted water levels at Carolina Beach, North Carolina, over a specific period. It displays the time and height of both high and low tides, providing valuable information for beachgoers, boaters, and anglers alike.
Interpreting the Tide Chart
The tide chart consists of several rows and columns. The rows indicate the date and time of the tide, while the columns show the corresponding water level. The water levels are typically measured in feet above or below Mean Lower Low Water (MLLW), which is the average height of the lowest tide over a 19-year period.
Variations in Tide Heights
Tide heights can vary significantly throughout the year. The highest tides occur during the spring tides, which happen when the Earth, Moon, and Sun align. The lowest tides occur during the neap tides, which happen when the Earth and Moon are at right angles to each other.
Factors Affecting Tides
Several factors influence tide heights and patterns, including:
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Moon's gravitational pull: The Moon exerts the strongest gravitational force on the Earth's oceans, causing them to rise and fall in response.
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Earth's rotation: The Earth's rotation creates a centrifugal force that counteracts the Moon's pull, resulting in two high tides and two low tides each day.
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Geography: The shape of the coastline, the depth of the water, and the presence of underwater structures can affect the height and timing of tides.
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Wind and weather: Strong winds and storm surges can temporarily alter tide levels, particularly in shallow areas.
Importance of the Carolina Beach Tide Chart
The Carolina Beach tide chart serves multiple purposes:
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Planning beach activities: It helps beachgoers determine the best times for swimming, surfing, and fishing based on water levels.
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Navigating waterways: It provides boaters with valuable information for planning safe and efficient passages through inlets and channels.
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Protecting wildlife: The tide chart aids in managing marine ecosystems and protecting endangered species by indicating when critical habitats may be exposed or inundated.
Tide Chart Tables
Carolina Beach Tide Chart for August 2023
| Date |
High Tide (Time/Height) |
Low Tide (Time/Height) |
| August 1st |
6:02 AM (ft) |
12:03 PM (ft) |
| August 2nd |
6:54 AM (ft) |
12:53 PM (ft) |
| August 3rd |
7:46 AM (ft) |
1:44 PM (ft) |
| August 4th |
8:38 AM (ft) |
2:36 PM (ft) |
| August 5th |
9:30 AM (ft) |
3:28 PM (ft) |
Carolina Beach Tide Chart for September 2023
| Date |
High Tide (Time/Height) |
Low Tide (Time/Height) |
| September 1st |
5:34 AM (ft) |
11:34 AM (ft) |
| September 2nd |
6:25 AM (ft) |
12:25 PM (ft) |
| September 3rd |
7:16 AM (ft) |
1:16 PM (ft) |
| September 4th |
8:07 AM (ft) |
2:06 PM (ft) |
| September 5th |
8:58 AM (ft) |
2:58 PM (ft) |
Carolina Beach Tide Chart for October 2023
| Date |
High Tide (Time/Height) |
Low Tide (Time/Height) |
| October 1st |
4:46 AM (ft) |
10:46 AM (ft) |
| October 2nd |
5:37 AM (ft) |
11:37 AM (ft) |
| October 3rd |
6:28 AM (ft) |
12:27 PM (ft) |
| October 4th |
7:18 AM (ft) |
1:17 PM (ft) |
| October 5th |
8:09 AM (ft) |
2:08 PM (ft) |
Tips and Tricks for Using the Tide Chart
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Use a reliable source: Refer to official tide charts provided by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) or other reputable sources.
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Check the tide chart before you go: Plan your beach activities or boating expeditions around the predicted tide heights and times.
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Pay attention to the weather: Strong winds and storms can significantly alter tide levels, so be aware of any potential hazards.
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Be aware of the moon phase: Spring tides and neap tides cause variations in tide heights, which can affect your activities.
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Consider the time of year: Tides are influenced by the Earth's seasonal rotation, so the chart will vary throughout the year.
Humorous Stories and Lessons Learned
Story 1:
A group of friends decided to go surfing at Carolina Beach during a spring tide. They arrived with high expectations, only to find themselves struggling in the rough, choppy water. As they watched the massive waves crash onto the shore, they realized that they had underestimated the power of the spring tides. Lesson learned: Always check the tide chart and be aware of the moon phase before heading out to surf.
Story 2:
A family went out on a fishing boat during neap tides. After a few hours of casting their lines, they were disappointed to find that they had only caught a few small fish. Frustrated, they decided to head back to shore, unaware that the low tides had exposed sandbars and shallow waters. Their boat suddenly ran aground, leaving them stranded until the tide came back in. Lesson learned: Pay attention to the tide chart and plan your boating trips accordingly.
Story 3:
A group of young beachgoers were playing in the sand when they noticed a large, beautiful seashell. Excitedly, they picked it up and began to inspect it closely. Just then, a rogue wave crashed onto the shore, sending them tumbling into the water. They quickly recovered, but to their dismay, the prized seashell had disappeared into the depths of the ocean. Lesson learned: Be aware of the changing tides and never take your belongings too close to the water's edge.
Call to Action
Understanding the Carolina Beach tide chart is essential for making informed decisions while enjoying the beautiful beaches and waterways of North Carolina. Use the tips and tricks provided, and remember the humorous stories and lessons learned to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Check the official NOAA website or other reputable sources for the most accurate and up-to-date tide charts.
