Kosrae's Coast
Reducing coastal hazard risks on Kosrae
kosrae resources
Tide predictions - 2011
On Kosrae high tides are a major factor causing coastal flooding, particularly if they coincide with large waves or swell. The timing and height of the tide is governed by the positions of the Moon and Sun relative to Earth and these positions are well-known in advance. Highest tides generally occur a few days after Full or New Moon and when the Moon is also closest to the Earth (in its perigee). These tides are called perigean-spring tides.
In this section:
(C) Doug Ramsay & KIRMA, 2008
- In 2011, the moon's closest perigee occurs on 19 March.
- Higher than normal tides tend to occur around December (November to February) and June (May to August) when the effect of the sun on tides is greatest.
- Water levels (and hence tide heights) tend to be higher between November and April due to the trade winds from the north-east.
- Water levels (and hence tide heights) tend to be lower during periods of strong El Niņo but tend to be higher during periods of La Niņa. Hence if La Niņa conditions are occurring around December to February (as in 2007/08 and 1999/00) more coastal flooding is likely.
- We are currently (January 2011) in a strong La Niņa phase which is likely to continue until at least March/April 2011. Hence all tide levels during this time will tend to be higher.
Note:
- The dates of very high tides are shown in red.
- Coastal flooding on Kosrae is not limited to the dates indicated above. Particular weather conditions, e.g. a typhoon or storm conditions that create large waves or swell, can cause flooding and coastal damage at any time. Such weather conditions are generally only predictable a few days in advance.
Monthly tide predictions for 2011
The time and height of high and low tides for each month in 2011 can be downloaded as pdfs below in either English or Kosraean:
Download very high tide dates as a
pdf.