Abstract
A small and often neglected tidal component, which is an exact subharmonic of the M2 tide, is shown to have unusually large amplitudes over a sea area stretching from Shetland to the Azores, including the North Sea. An explanation is offered in terms of normal oceanic modes recently computed by Platzman, and implications for tidal prediction procedures are discussed.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Cartwright, D. E., Phil. Trans. R. Soc., A 270, 603–649 (1971).
Munk, W. H., and Cartwright, D. E., Phil. Trans. R. Soc., A 259, 533–581 (1966).
Cartwright, D. E., and Tayler, R. J., Geophys. J.R. astr. Soc., 23, 45–74 (1971).
Deutsches Hydrographisches Inst. Pub. No. 2276 (Hamburg, 1967).
Platzman, G., J. Phys. Oceanogr. (in the press).
Rossiter, J. R., I.C.O.T. Int. Rep. No. 14 (Bidston, 1969).
Schureman, P., U.S. Coast and Geod. Survey, Spec. Pub. No. 98, revised ed., 41–43 (1958).
Doodson, A. L., Phil. Trans. R. Soc., A 227, 273–279 (1928).
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Cartwright, D. A subharmonic lunar tide in the seas off Western Europe. Nature 257, 277–280 (1975). https://doi.org/10.1038/257277a0
Received:
Accepted:
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/257277a0
- Springer Nature Limited
This article is cited by
-
Modeling gravimetric signatures of third-degree ocean tides and their detection in superconducting gravimeter records
Journal of Geodesy (2022)
-
Determination of the main Lunar waves generated by the third degree tidal potential and validity of the corresponding body tides models
Journal of Geodesy (2012)
-
Bottom pressure tides along a line in the southeast Atlantic Ocean and comparisons with satellite altimetry
Ocean Dynamics (2010)
-
About some very small harmonics which are present in the tide of the Pacific
Deutsche Hydrographische Zeitschrift (1991)
-
Anomalous M1 tide at Lagos
Nature (1976)