The Ocean



Tides

In Bermuda, since it lies well out in the Atlantic Ocean, tides are typical of open ocean areas. The tides are semi-diurnal and virtually symmetrical. The mean range is 0.75m and the spring tide range is 1.0m. In Harrington sound, the range is greatly restricted by a narrow entrance to about 19 cm. The small range of tides, combined with a relatively steep shore slope, results in a quite narrow intertidal zone and weak tidal currents. Many of the saline ponds common in Bermuda are also tidal, sea water exchange being by underwater flooded caves or fissures. Although these ponds are normally close to the sea, indirect connections usually result in reduced tidal range and delayed times.