Oceanic tides are periodic sea-level oscillations driven primarily by the gravitational forces of the Moon and Sun and the Earth’s rotation, expressed as propagating long waves in the ocean basins. They are described as equilibrium and dynamic tides, with the latter governed by the Laplace tidal equations that incorporate Coriolis effects, bathymetry, and basin geometry. Tides are decomposed into harmonic constituents (e.g., M2, S2, K1), each with distinct frequencies and phases, enabling precise tidal prediction. They play critical roles in coastal dynamics, mixing, and energy dissipation, and are significant for processes such as sediment transport and ocean circulation.
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