Whenever the ocean tide is usually high, will the following low tide be usually low?

Answer 1

Generally speaking, there are three types of tide cycles that occur: Diurnal, semi-dirunal and mixed. Dirunal tides have one high and one low per day. Semi-diurnal have two highs and two lows per day. Mixed have two of each, but the heights vary from one high or low to the next. Different regions of the world experience different types of tides, but they don't change. Long Island Sound (between Long Island and Connecticut) for example, experiences semi-diurnal tides.

So...if you are in a region that experiences mixed tides, it is natural for variation to occur between successive highs and lows.

But that's not the whole story. There are times during the month when the tides are very high (and very low), and times when they are not so. These are called Spring Tides (very high and low) and Neap Tides (not so high and low). Spring tides occur when the moon is full or new, while Neap Tides occur when the moon is waxing or waning half. If you sketch out the position of the sun, moon and earth at these times, you can probably guess why. Anyway, during spring tides, successive highs and lows are greater than normal, which is what you asked.

Too much information? We really just scratched the surface....

Answer 2

Generally speaking yes. Tidal range (the difference between high and low water) is mainly determined by the moon, but the sun also has an influence.

Sometimes, extreme weather conditions can cause an unusually high tide, in which case it will not be followed by a low low.

Answer 3

Usually, but tides are caused by water rushing in and out of bays too, so predicting them in specific places is a real art.

Answer 4

Probably. I think it has to do with the moon's gravity.