Analyzing Real-Time Water-Level Data from Monitoring Stations

Introduction

You will be required to collect tidal data for several locations in the United States. Once you have collected the data, you will create screenshots of the data and answer questions about the tides. Finally, you will write a laboratory report of your results.

Background

NOAA Tides and Currents, managed by the Center for Operational Oceanographic Products and Services (CO-OPS), provides access to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's vast collection of oceanographic and meteorological data (historical and real-time), predictions, and "nowcasts" and forecasts. Tides Online provides an easy way to view recent data from the National Water Level Observation Network, a network of 175 continuously operating water-level stations throughout the United States.

Objective

The objective of this lab assignment is to determine how tides are observed and monitored.

Problem

How can we use tides to understand the differences between observed and predicted data?

Materials and Procedures

1. Open the Tides Online (http://tidesonline.nos.noaa.gov/) web page. In the menu on the left-hand side of the screen, select "State Maps," and then select "MA" (Massachusetts) followed by "Woods Hole." Take a screenshot of the "Water Levels" graph to include in your lab report.

2. Select the "Back" button twice on your browser to return to the map of the United States (http://tidesonline.noaa.gov/geographic.html). Select "AL" (Alabama), and then "Dauphin Island, AL." Take a screenshot of the "Water Levels" graph to include in your lab report.

3. Select the "Back" button twice on your browser to return to the map of the United States (http://tidesonline.noaa.gov/geographic.html). Select a state and monitoring station of your choice. Write this location at the top of the "Location #3" column in the data table below and predict how its tides will compare to the tides at Woods Hole and Dauphin Island. Then take a screenshot of the "Water Levels" graph to include in your lab report.

Data and Observations

Record tides data for each location. Be sure to add rows as necessary.

Conclusion

1. In your own words, summarize what causes tides. Discuss the effects of tidal forces and how bulges are formed.

2. In your own words, explain why humans are interested in monitoring tides. What impact do tides have on human life? What impact might tides have on other organisms?

3. In your own words, discuss how tides are monitored. Describe the old and new methods of monitoring tides.

4. In your own words, compare and contrast the tidal patterns of Woods Hole, MA, Dauphin Island, AL, and location #3.

Reflection Questions

1. What did you learn about tidal observations by completing the activity?

2. In your own words, how are tidal observations and tidal predictions similar? How are they different?

3. Why is it important to be able to predict tide levels in coastal areas?

4. What are some other things you would like to learn about tides?