High and low tides | VVV Ameland

High and low tide

Every average 6:15 hours, the tide changes. That means if it has just turned low tide (low water) now, it will turn high tide (high water) again in six hours and 15 minutes. At low tide, the beach is extra wide.

Origins of ebb and flow

Ebb and flow are caused by the moon's attraction to water on earth. The moon pulls on the water, as it were, causing the water in the seas to move in a certain direction. The earth rotates on its own axis and around the sun. As a result, the place where the moon pulls most strongly on the water is different each time.
So the water always moves in a different direction, causing high and low tides to alternate. We call this ebb and flow or also astronomical tide. Ebb is the phase of the tide when seawater descends or descends. Tide is the phase of rising or rising water.

Rhythm of ebb and flow

Because the movements of the earth and the moon are very constant, so is the rhythm of ebb and flow. In the Netherlands, there are two high tides and two low tides every 24 hours and 50 minutes. We actually have to deal with this rhythm all the time. That is, if there are no special weather conditions and/or other issues at play.

Differences by location

The times of high and low tide on the Dutch coast vary widely. The tide shifts from the southwest to the northeast of the Netherlands in almost 12 hours. There can also be a much greater difference in height between the high and low tides at one location.

Special tidal forms

Weather and other factors can cause variations on the astronomical tide. Consider, for example, the depth of the water and the shape of the coast. Changes in the position of the sun and moon compared to each other also affect the tide.
These factors cause the occurrence of the following tides:

Spring tide

When the sun and moon are in alignment, the force of attraction they exert on the earth increases. This happens during full moon and new moon about 12 times a year. There is then a big difference between high and low tides. The tide then rises higher than average and ebb is lower than average. You call this spring tide and it always takes place two days after the full moon and two days after the new moon.

Dead tide

The opposite can also occur. In that case, the sun and moon are at right angles to each other. 2 different sides then pull on the water. This occurs during the 1st and last quarter of the moon (crescent). The effect is noticeable a few days later. During high tide, the water then does not rise as high as normal. When it is low tide, it sinks less. This is called neap tide.

"Wantij"

A special feature of the Wadden Sea is the phenomenon of 'Wantij'. The tide on the Wadden Sea first rises on the western side of the Wadden Islands. A few tens of minutes later, the water rises on the eastern side. Behind the islands is an area where the two tidal waves meet. At this spot, the water then stands almost still.

Tide table

Curious about the tides during your stay on Ameland? Then take a look at our tide table. The table shows exactly when high and low tide is each day. Please note that this is the tide table for the Wadden side, near Nes. Different tides apply for the North Sea beach and the other villages on Ameland

Tide table