King Tides Create Dramatic High, Low Waterlines
Dec 19, 2024 02:00PM ● By Mb News Staff
(The highest tides of the year in Manhattan Beach came in at 8:00 a.m. on December 15.)
Sunday's peak King Tides (the highest tides of the year) demonstrated the dramatic difference between high and low tides at this time of year in Manhattan Beach.
According to measurements made by the Roundhouse Aquarium staff and volunteers, the tidal height peaked at 8.27 feet at 8:14 a.m. on December 15, with the waterline just 153.4 feet (46.8 meters) from the pier steps. (Average high tides are around 5 to 6 feet.)
(Image of the low tide in Manhattan Beach on Sunday, December 15. Photo via Marissa Wu/Roundhouse Aquarium.)Just a few hours later, as the tide receded, volunteers measured the waterline at 192.4 feet (58.6 meters) from the same point, showcasing the dramatic tidal change.
Notably, Sunday evening's Glow Tide 5K took advantage of that super-low tide, providing plenty of hard-pack sand for runners along the shoreline.
If you missed the King Tides drama, don't worry - they'll be back. The next King Tides will take place on January 11-13, 2025.
What Is Significant About King Tides?
King
Tides occur naturally and regularly. However, scientists are
particularly interested in monitoring them because they offer a
picture of what regular tides will look like as sea levels continue to
rise.
The California Coastal Commission is collecting photos of the King Tides. Anyone who takes photos of the tides is encouraged to submit them here, and/or share them on social media using the hashtag #KingTides. To share a video
clip, email [email protected] for instructions.
Your participation - and photos - will contribute to the California Coastal Commission’s King Tide Project.For more info about king tides, visit www.coastal.ca.gov/kingtides
