Difference between Waves and Tides is often confused since both involve the movement of water and occur in coastal environments. However, the formation, different types and frequency of these two natural phenomena can help better understand the Difference between Waves and Tides.

Waves |
Tides |
Waves are disturbances on the surface of water that generally affect shallow areas. | Tides are periodic rise and fall of sea levels that affects entire ocean and coastlines. |
Ocean Waves are primarily mainly formed due to the wind blowing on the surface of the water. | Tides are primarily formed due to the gravitational pull of the moon and, to a lesser extent, the sun on Earth’s oceans. |
Different types of Ocean Waves include Capillary Waves, Gravity Waves, Swell Waves. | Different types of Tides include Diurnal Tides, Semidiurnal Tides, Mixed Semidiurnal Tides, Spring Tides and Neap Tides. |
Occurs from seconds to minutes | Occurs every 12 to 24 hours |
More chaotic and influenced by local conditions. | Relatively predictable based on astronomical calculations. |
Moves sediment along coastlines, shaping beaches | Influences sediment deposition in estuaries and deltas |
Supports activities like surfing and swimming | Affects access to beaches during low and high tides |

The highest tidal range ever recorded occurs in the Bay of Fundy, located between New Brunswick and Nova Scotia in Canada. Here, the tidal range can exceed 16 meters (52 feet) during spring tides.
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