Flood Tide

The incoming or rising phase of the tide, during which seawater flows landward and the water level increases. 

A flood tide is the period during the tidal cycle when the sea level rises due to the Moon’s and Sun’s gravitational pull, causing water to flow from the open ocean towards the shore. This phase occurs between low and high tide, as the tide transitions to its peak height. During a flood tide, currents flow inshore, filling estuaries, bays, and tidal rivers with seawater. The strength and duration of the flood tide are influenced by various factors, including the alignment of the Sun, Moon, and Earth (spring or neap tides), local geography, and weather conditions. 

Flood tides are critical for navigation, as they can affect the depth of water in harbours and channels, allowing vessels with deeper draughts to enter or exit safely. Sailors and mariners often plan their movements around the flood tide to take advantage of the incoming current, which can assist with propulsion and reduce fuel consumption. Additionally, flood tides are vital in coastal ecosystems, as they transport nutrients and marine organisms into estuaries and wetlands, supporting biodiversity and productivity. Understanding flood tides is essential for safe and efficient marine operations, as well as for managing coastal environments and mitigating risks such as flooding in low-lying areas.