Using a tide dial provides a quick visual reference for understanding the current tide level and predicting the timing of the next high or low tide. It typically operates similarly to a clock, with a single hand indicating the tide status.
Understanding Your Tide Dial
A tide dial or indicator is designed to show the stage of the tide at a glance. Based on common designs, including the one described in the reference, the key components are simple:
- A Single Hand: This hand rotates around the dial's face.
- Rotation Direction: Like a regular clock, the hand moves clockwise.
- High Tide Marker: Positioned at the top of the dial.
- Low Tide Marker: Positioned at the bottom of the dial.
- Hour Markers: Numbers around the sides indicating the hours until the next tide change.
How to Read the Tide
To use the dial effectively, observe the position of the single hand:
- When the hand points directly upwards, it indicates high tide.
- When the hand points directly downwards, it indicates low tide.
- As the hand moves from the top towards the bottom, the tide is falling (ebbing).
- As the hand moves from the bottom towards the top, the tide is rising (flowing).
Predicting the Next Tide Change
The numbers around the dial help you anticipate the timing of the next high or low tide.
- The numbers typically go from 5 to 1, counting down the hours.
- These numbers show the hours remaining until the next high or low tide, depending on which marker the hand is approaching.
- For example, if the hand is pointing to the '3' marker between high tide and low tide, it means there are approximately 3 hours until low tide.
- If the hand is pointing to the '1' marker between low tide and high tide, it means there is approximately 1 hour until high tide.
By observing the hand's position and the countdown numbers, you can easily determine the current tide stage and how long it will be until the tide changes direction.
