King Tides Underway!

Each year, North Carolina, South Carolina and coastal areas worldwide experience several weeks of very high tides known as King Tides. Two astronomical events must coincide for King Tides to develop. The first phenomenon is the alignment of the Earth, sun and moon, also called a Spring Tide, which increases the gravitational pull on bodies of water toward the moon. If a Spring Tide occurs when the moon is closest to the Earth during it's 28-day elliptical orbit, the gravitational pull on bodies of water increases a little more. Typically, King Tides only add 2-12 inches to an average high tide.  Impacts can be subtle or substantial coastal erosion and flooding of low lying areas.  When coupled with ongoing sea level rise, the likelihood of damage can increase significantly.

King Tides are underway this week and several weeks throughout the rest of the year.  Observers in South Carolina can take pictures of the impacts of King Tides for the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SCDHEC) King Tides Initiative. Photos will help decision-makers and stakeholders visualize and better understand coastal threats.  More information about the project can be found here.

Morro Strand, CA at Low and King Tide. (Credit: Docent Joyce)