Amphidromic Point

An amphidromic point is a point of zero amplitude of one harmonic constituent of the tide. The tidal range (the amplitude, or height difference between high tide and low tide) for that harmonic constituent increases with distance from this point. These points are sometimes called tidal nodes.

The term amphidromic point derives from the Greek words amphi (around) and dromos (running), referring to the rotary tides running around them.

Amphidromic points occur because of the Coriolis effect and interference within oceanic basins, seas and bays creating a wave pattern — called an amphidromic system — which rotates around the amphidromic point. At the amphidromic points of the dominant tidal constituent, there is almost no vertical movement from tidal action. There can be tidal currents as the water levels on either side of the amphidromic point are not the same. A separate amphidromic system is created by each periodic tidal component.

In most locations M₂ is the largest (semidiurnal) tidal constituent, with an amplitude of roughly half of the full tidal range. Cotidal points means they reach high tide at the same time and low tide at the same time. In the accompanying figure, the low tide lags or leads by 1 hr 2 min from its neighboring lines. Where the lines meet are amphidromes and the tide rotates around them; for example: along the Chilean coast, and from southern Mexico to Peru the tide propagates southward, while from Baja California to Alaska the tide propagates northward.