Final answer:
The tidal range is influenced by the gravitational forces of the Sun and Moon, but also varies due to local topography, ocean floor profiles, and other factors. As a result, the tidal range differs from one place to another along coastlines and necessitates specific tide tables for each location.
Step-by-step explanation:
The tidal range is the vertical difference between the high tide and the low tide, and it varies greatly depending on several factors. The primary forces that dictate the tidal range are indeed the gravitational attractions of the Sun and the Moon, but this is not the sole factor involved. The tidal range also depends on the local coastline topography and the bathymetry of the ocean floor. Tidal forces cause the water to bulge towards the Moon on the side closest to it and, paradoxically, on the opposite side as well. As the Earth rotates, locations move through these tidal bulges, experiencing the well-known high tides and low tides.
Moreover, the presence of landmasses, ocean floor friction, Earth's rotation, wind, and varying ocean depths can complicate the tidal patterns. Therefore, the tidal range indeed varies from place to place along a coastline, such as the extremely high tides in the Bay of Fundy, compared to much smaller tides elsewhere. This complexity requires tide tables to be specifically calculated for each location, acknowledging the fact that a universal tidal prediction does not apply globally.