Superstorm Jonas this past weekend brought lots of rain and wind on top of high tides. The tide was a special tide called a Spring Tide that occurs when the moon, earth and sun form a straight line at a full or new moon. This weekend's full moon caused our tides to be extra high, over 6 feet. The wind and rain can affect tides by pushing the water in or out and adding extra water from runoff of over 2 inches of rain. These big tides flood the saltmarsh with extra water and wash dead marsh grass, and sometimes trash, out into our waterways. Spring tides also bring water and nutrients to plants and animals in the highest parts of the marsh.
Written by Science Educator Sue Morrison
Check out how high tides affected other parts of the country!
http://www.weather.com/storms/winter/news/winter-storm-jonas-high-winds-coastal-flood-threats
Written by Science Educator Sue Morrison
Check out how high tides affected other parts of the country!
http://www.weather.com/storms/winter/news/winter-storm-jonas-high-winds-coastal-flood-threats