Amplitude of two components for tides.

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the amplitudes of the m2 and s2 tidal components based on the observed tidal ranges of spring tides (3.2 m) and neap tides (1.8 m). Participants confirm that both tidal components share the same frequency and can be treated as sine and cosine waves. The key takeaway is that when in phase, the amplitudes can be summed (m2 + s2), while when out of phase, they are subtracted (m2 - s2). The challenge remains in determining the specific amplitudes of the m2 and s2 components.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of tidal components, specifically m2 and s2 tides
  • Knowledge of wave functions, including sine and cosine
  • Familiarity with phase angles in wave mechanics
  • Basic principles of tidal ranges and their calculations
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the mathematical methods for calculating tidal amplitudes from observed tidal ranges
  • Study the principles of superposition in wave mechanics
  • Learn about phase relationships in periodic functions
  • Explore the use of Fourier analysis in tidal studies
USEFUL FOR

Oceanographers, marine scientists, and students studying tidal dynamics or wave mechanics will benefit from this discussion.

aks_sky
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The tidal range of spring tides is about 3.2 m and tidal range of neap tides is about 1.8m,
Assume the only tidal components are m2 and s2 tides. i.e 2 tides per day due to the sun and moon.
Find the amplitude of these components and also find the maximum phase angle between the m2 tides and the observed high tide.

** At this stage i am just looking for how to solve the amplitude question, I have tried the formula of x=A sin (wt + alpha) but i don't think i will be using this equation here. Anybody know what i can use to find the amplitude? thank you
 
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Both tides have the same frequency, right? So they add together like one is a sine wave and the other is a cosine wave. You need to be careful which amplitude you assign to which wave.
 
Yup they both will have the same frequency but since they go in phase, i can add them up as m2 +s2 and when they are out of phase it will be m2 - s2. Now the only thing is that i don't know how to find the amplitude using that.
 

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