The Atlantic has bigger and more spectacular tides than the Mediterranean. Find out why (scale, weather, geology...).
The tides are among the most beautiful things to admire during a stay in our Saint-Malo hotel with sea view. This natural phenomenon is captivating and gives rhythm to the days of the people of Saint-Malo. But for many of us, it remains a great mystery and a unique feature of the Atlantic coast. Find out below why tides are so important here, whereas they are less visible in the Mediterranean!
TINY TIDES IN THE MEDITERRANEAN
Many people believe that the Mediterranean Sea has no tidal effects. But this is not true. They do exist, but their amplitudes are very low, particularly on the French coast. This makes Mediterranean tides neither visible nor spectacular.
Yet there are regions of the Mediterranean where the amplitude of the tides can be better seen. This is particularly true of Venice, where high water floods the city center every year. In some years, an additional 1m40 of water rushes through the city's meandering streets.
But it has to be said that most of the Mediterranean coast has a very low tidal range. In the south of France, for example, the tidal range is limited to 40 cm. Add to this the configuration of the beaches, which are steeper than those of the Atlantic, and you have a phenomenon that is hardly visible to the naked eye, and with no low-tide-type consequences as in Normandy.
This is essentially due to the appearance of the Mediterranean Sea and its size. It's an enclosed sea, with small dimensions compared to the big oceans.
The Moon's influence is fulfilled, but with fewer consequences: the tide's wavelength is much smaller and does not amplify. What's more, a higher atmospheric pressure system and prevailing winds that run counter to the tidal movement, such as the tramontane or mistral, further attenuate this phenomenon.
AN AMPLIFIED TIDAL PHENOMENON IN THE ATLANTIC
The opposite is true on the Atlantic coast. The influence of the Moon is present, as in the Mediterranean, but the configuration of the ocean and the coastline result in more pronounced impacts.
The Atlantic Ocean is vast and deep. The tide's wavelength is long and wide. It accumulates exceptional energy on the shoals offshore. When this force hits the shore, it's all the stronger.
What's more, beaches and coastlines are often plateau-shaped. For equivalent coefficients, this leads to vast open spaces at low tide or covered areas at high tide. The specific shape of the Bay of Mont Saint-Michel offers exceptional tidal ranges during periods of high tide. This is the difference in height between high and low tide: in some years, it can reach 13 metres.
This will mean miles of sea discoveries and, above all, great leisure activities for locals and tourists alike! Walks and fishing are on the agenda for everyone's enjoyment!
