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.