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Describe the characteristics of a mixed tide (the period, and the different kinds of high waters [HW] and low waters [LW]) and define the diurnal inequality

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Final answer:

Mixed tides have a period of approximately 12 hours and 25 minutes and consist of two high waters and two low waters within a day. The high waters are the highest water levels, while the low waters are the lowest water levels. The diurnal inequality refers to the difference in height between the two high waters in mixed tides.

Step-by-step explanation:

Mixed Tides

Mixed tides refer to the type of tides that have two high waters and two low waters within a day. The period of mixed tides is approximately 12 hours and 25 minutes. The occurrence of two high tides and two low tides is due to the rotation of the Earth carrying an observer through two tidal bulges, one on each side of the Earth.

Kinds of High Waters and Low Waters

The two high waters in mixed tides are referred to as the high tides, while the two low waters are called the low tides. The first high tide is known as the high water and is typically the highest water level in a tidal cycle. The second high tide is called the high water and is usually not as high as the first high tide. Similarly, the first low tide is referred to as the low water and is the lowest water level, while the second low tide is known as the low water.

Overall, mixed tides follow a pattern of two high waters and two low waters within a day.

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