Final answer:
Tidal patterns align with the moon's phases due to the Moon's gravitational pull causing two high and two low tides each day. The level of tides is also influenced by the shape of the tidal basin. The relationship between moon phases and tides, and the influence of tidal basin shape is substantial.
Step-by-step explanation:
In analyzing the tidal data from different cities, there are observable patterns that align with the moon's phases. Cities on the coast observe tides that are intimately tied to the Moon's cycle. This is due to the Moon's gravitational pull on Earth's waters, which results in two high tides and two low tides each day. The intervals between high tides are not exactly 24 hours, but approximately 24 hours and 50 minutes, reflecting the time it takes for the Moon to return to the same location in the sky.
The shape of the tidal basin significantly impacts the level of tides by affecting how far the tide can reach before it recedes. The magnitude of the tide, or amplitude, changes during the course of a month based on the phase of the Moon. During a full moon and a new moon, we experience spring tides where the high tides are very high and the low tides are very low. Contrarily, during the first and last quarter moon we see neap tides, where the difference between high and low tide is least. In conclusion, there is a prominent relationship between the moon phases and tides, and the shape of the tidal basin additionally influences the tide levels.
Learn more about Tides and Moon Phases