tides / guides

[AMERICA88]

Any suggestion on what books could be heplpfull to learn about tide readings
and in general tides in the seas etc.

[hamiam]

Since no one else has responded, I guess I will. Im not sure what you are asking? Do you want to know the physics of how tides occur or do you want to know tide height and current for a given location or locations?

[tahitisail]

Any college textbook on general or physical oceanography will have a chapter that will give a person a good start in understanding tides and tidal currents. There should be plenty of these textbooks in a public library.

[AMERICA88]

I am about to make a trip in the baltic sea
and I like to know more about reading the tides etc.
I heard its essential to know about tides while sailing in these waters.
Thanks guys for your help.

[bob_walden]

I think the best place to start is to find a good set of tide tables for the region you''ll be sailing in. Admiralty Charts in the UK is a good source for worldwide charts, current and tide info--www.hydro.gov.uk.

And do an internet search on your subject. I did a google search on <tides currents baltic> and got a lot of interesting reading.

Bear in mind there''s 2 things you need to get out of tidal charts: currents and water depth. Currents are important for navigation and timing of routes, while water depths are important for planning anchorages and times for passing through shallow areas. Of the 2, understanding the currents is, in my opinion, the more important issue from a planning standpoint. As you plan your route, make sure you take into account the expected current and its effect on your speed over ground. And don''t overlook the effects of strong wind blowing against strong currents--you can plan for unsettled or even dangerous waves in those conditions.

bw