tideturn

tideturn is a term used to describe the moment when the direction of the tidal current reverses. This typically occurs around the times of high tide and low tide. At high tide, the incoming tide begins to recede, and at low tide, the outgoing tide begins to flood. The transition is not instantaneous and can involve a period of slack water where the current is minimal. The strength and duration of the slack water can vary significantly depending on local geography, such as the shape of the coastline and the presence of estuaries or narrow channels. Understanding the timing of the tideturn is crucial for activities such as navigation, fishing, and coastal engineering. For mariners, it can signify a change in the direction of drift and potential hazards associated with the shifting currents. For those involved in coastal management, the tideturn influences sediment transport and erosion patterns. The predictable nature of tidal cycles allows for the calculation of these transition points.