Question

Explain the importance of tides.

Answer 1

The importance of tides can be explained as follows:

1. High tides at coasts are of great importance, as they allow big ships to enter or leave harbours safely. Diamond Harbour of Kolkata and Kandla Port of Gujarat are dependent on tidal conditions for the safe passage of vessels.
2. In case of river ports, tides allow giant ships to navigate safely. Various ports around the world take advantage of the tides for their transportation.
3. Tides also support fishing. High tides increase the volume of water. As a result, more fish are obtained and coastal fishermen get benefitted.
4. Tides also help to remove the silt deposited by the rivers at their mouths, thereby maintaining a free flow all around the year.
5. Tidal energy can be harnessed during high tides, as seawater rushes into the coastal areas. Tidal energy can be converted into electrical energy as done in countries like Japan, Canada and Italy.