Tides vs Waves
Tides and Waves are two natural phenomena that appear similar when it comes to their characteristics. Tides are periodic rise and fall of large masses of water. They are caused by the gravitational interaction that exists between the Earth and the Moon. On the other hand waves are caused by the winds blowing on the surface of the ocean or even lakes. This is one of the important differences between tides and waves.
The wind has no effect on the perfect calm sea. On the other hand as it begins to slide over the surface of the water then it causes the water to move. Small ripples are thus formed. On the other hand tides do occur in the ocean when the Earth, the Sun and the Moon are in a line.
It is interesting to note that two high tides and two low tides are usually experienced by the ocean on each day. As a matter of fact in addition to oceans, large lakes can also experience small tides sometimes. On the other hand wind waves range from small ripples to huge waves. Ocean surface wave is the name given to a wind wave generated in the ocean.
Tides and waves differ from each other in their method of formation. Wave is formed by various factors such as wind speed, the distance to which the wind slides, width of the area affected by fetch, the length of time the wind has blown over the area and of course the depth of water.
On the other hand tides are formed when sea level rises for a period spanning several hours, the water rises to its highest level, the level of the sea falls for a period spanning several hours and the water ceases to fall.
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