A king tide is a non-scientific term that describes the highest predicted tide of the year at a specific coastal location. King tides are associated with the gravitational forces exerted by the sun and the moon, leading to exceptionally high tidal levels. The term “king tide” is often used in an everyday sense and doesn’t have a strict scientific definition.
The occurrence of king tides is predictable based on the positions of the Earth, moon, and sun in their orbits. They typically happen a few times a year when the gravitational forces align, resulting in higher-than-normal tidal ranges.
During king tides, coastal areas may experience temporary flooding, particularly in low-lying areas. While king tides are a natural and recurring phenomenon, they can provide insights into the potential impacts of rising sea levels. Coastal communities like Bodega Bay often pay attention to king tides to better understand and prepare for the effects of extreme high tides, especially when combined with other factors like storm surges or adverse weather conditions.
These tides generally occur during the winter months in the Northern Hemisphere, when the Earth is closer to the sun in its elliptical orbit, and gravitational forces are stronger. In the case of Bodega Bay, California, located in the Northern Hemisphere, you can expect king tides to occur around December, January, and February. However, the exact timing may vary from year to year due to the specific alignment of the sun and moon.
One can get a better idea of the exact tide height by using one of many available tide charts or checking out www.usharbors.com It is always a good idea to check the tides before hiking on the more remote areas of the beach so as not to get trapped when the high tide comes in.