Tidal current
Topic: Movements of Ocean Water: Waves, Tides and Currents · NCERT: Class 11, Ch 13 "Movements of Ocean Water"
Meaning
A tidal current is the flow of water caused by the rise and fall of the tide. It becomes strong where the tide is squeezed between islands or pushed into bays and estuaries. The water flows inwards as the tide rises (flood) and outwards as it falls (ebb), so the direction keeps changing. Strong tidal currents matter for ships, ports and fishing. They also flush silt out of estuaries.
Example
In the funnel-shaped Gulf of Khambhat in Gujarat, the large tidal range drives strong tidal currents in and out of the gulf twice a day. Ships have to plan around them.
Don't confuse with
- Ocean current: a steady flow along a set path in one main direction, such as the Gulf Stream, driven by winds, heat and the Earth's rotation. A tidal current changes direction with each tide.