lowtide

Low tide is the point in the tidal cycle at which a coastal or nearshore water surface reaches its minimum level at a given location. Tides rise and fall in a roughly daily cycle; in many regions there are two low tides and two high tides in a 24-hour period, though some coastlines experience one low tide per day or alternating patterns.

This cycle is driven mainly by the gravitational forces of the Moon and Sun acting on the oceans, together with the rotation of the Earth. Gravitational attraction creates bulges in the ocean that correspond to tides, and the relative positions of moon and sun determine whether tides are higher or lower. Local factors such as coastline shape, water depth, sea-floor topography, and wind and atmospheric pressure conditions influence the precise timing and amplitude, so low tide occurs at different times in different places.

Tide predictions use reference datums such as mean sea level, mean lower low water, or Lowest Astronomical Tide. Low tide is the practical minimum water level within a tidal cycle; however, actual water levels can deviate due to weather systems, storms, and astronomical conditions. The term “low tide” is location-specific.

Low tide exposes intertidal zones, rocks and sand flats, affecting navigation, fishing, shoreline ecology, and recreational access. Regions with large tidal ranges, such as the Bay of Fundy, show very pronounced low tides, while microtidal coasts experience only modest changes.