🔍 Key Concepts

• Lunar declination and how it affects the inequality of tides and tidal currents • Typical tidal characteristics of Gulf Coast ports (semi-diurnal vs diurnal, double highs/lows, strength vs variability) • Relationship between small declination values near the equator and the regularity/strength of tidal currents

💭 Think About

• Ask yourself: When the Moon’s declination is very close to the equator, are tides and tidal currents generally more even/regular or more distorted/unusual? • Think about which choice describes a condition that would be associated with special shapes of the tidal curve (like double highs or double ebbs) versus which would match a time when the Moon’s declination is very small. • Consider whether small declination would tend to make predicted currents more accurate or less accurate compared to the tables.

✅ Before You Answer

• Verify what happens to diurnal inequality (difference between successive highs or lows) when lunar declination approaches zero. • Check which answer choices describe shape anomalies in the tidal curve (like double ebb/flood) versus changes in strength or regularity. • Confirm how predicted tidal current tables are affected by changes in lunar declination—do they usually become more accurate or produce more odd features?