Ebb vs. Tide — What's the Difference?

The movement of tide waters back to the sea.

The regular rising and falling of the sea's surface.

To recede or fall away.

A powerful surge or wave.

Withdrawal of the sea from the shore.

A current caused by the tides.

A decline or decrease.

A tendency or course of events.

A period of decline or diminution.

The alternate rising and falling of the sea, usually twice in each lunar day.

The receding or outgoing tide, occurring between the time when the tide is highest and the time when the following tide is lowest. Also called ebb tide, falling tide.

Tides are the rise and fall of sea levels caused by the combined effects of the gravitational forces exerted by the Moon and the Sun, and the rotation of the Earth. Tide tables can be used for any given locale to find the predicted times and amplitude (or "tidal range").

A period of decline or diminution

The periodic variation in the surface level of the oceans and of bays, gulfs, inlets, and estuaries, caused by gravitational attraction of the moon and sun.

To fall back from the flood stage.

A specific occurrence of such a variation

To fall away or back; decline or recede. See Synonyms at recede1.

Flood tide.

The receding movement of the tide.

Tidal force.

A gradual decline.

Something that increases, decreases, or fluctuates like the waters of the tide

(especially in the phrase 'at a low ebb') A low state; a state of depression.

A large amount or number moving or occurring in a mass

A European bunting, the corn bunting (Emberiza calandra, syns. Emberiza miliaria, Milaria calandra).

A surge of emotion

(intransitive) to flow back or recede

A time or season. Often used in combination

(intransitive) to fall away or decline

A favorable occasion; an opportunity.

(intransitive) to fish with stakes and nets that serve to prevent the fish from getting back into the sea with the ebb

To rise and fall like the tide.

(transitive) To cause to flow back.

(Nautical) To drift or ride with the tide

Low, shallow

To carry along with the tide.

The European bunting.

To betide; befall.

The reflux or flowing back of the tide; the return of the tidal wave toward the sea; - opposed to flood; as, the boats will go out on the ebb.

The periodic change of the sea level, particularly when caused by the gravitational influence of the sun and the moon.

The state or time of passing away; a falling from a better to a worse state; low state or condition; decline; decay.

A stream, current or flood.

To flow back; to return, as the water of a tide toward the ocean; - opposed to flow.

Time, notably anniversary, period or season linked to an ecclesiastical feast.

To return or fall back from a better to a worse state; to decline; to decay; to recede.

A time.

To cause to flow back.

A point or period of time identified or described by a qualifier (found in compounds).

Receding; going out; falling; shallow; low.

(mining) The period of twelve hours.

A gradual decline (in size or strength or power or number)

Something which changes like the tides of the sea.

The outward flow of the tide

Tendency or direction of causes, influences, or events; course; current.

Flow back or recede;

(obsolete) Violent confluence

Hem in fish with stakes and nets so as to prevent them from going back into the sea with the ebb

(transitive) To cause to float with the tide; to drive or carry with the tide or stream.

Fall away or decline;

(intransitive) To pour a tide or flood.

To work into or out of a river or harbor by drifting with the tide and anchoring when it becomes adverse.

To happen, occur.

Time; period; season.

The alternate rising and falling of the waters of the ocean, and of bays, rivers, etc., connected therewith. The tide ebbs and flows twice in each lunar day, or the space of a little more than twenty-four hours. It is occasioned by the attraction of the sun and moon (the influence of the latter being three times that of the former), acting unequally on the waters in different parts of the earth, thus disturbing their equilibrium. A high tide upon one side of the earth is accompanied by a high tide upon the opposite side. Hence, when the sun and moon are in conjunction or opposition, as at new moon and full moon, their action is such as to produce a greater than the usual tide, called the spring tide, as represented in the cut. When the moon is in the first or third quarter, the sun's attraction in part counteracts the effect of the moon's attraction, thus producing under the moon a smaller tide than usual, called the neap tide.

Tendency or direction of causes, influences, or events; course; current.

Violent confluence.

The period of twelve hours.

To cause to float with the tide; to drive or carry with the tide or stream.

To betide; to happen.

To pour a tide or flood.

To work into or out of a river or harbor by drifting with the tide and anchoring when it becomes adverse.

The periodic rise and fall of the sea level under the gravitational pull of the moon

Something that may increase or decrease (like the tides of the sea);

There are usually two high and two low tides each day

Rise or move foward;

Cause to float with the tide

Be carried with the tide

Ebb tide is the period when the sea level falls, moving water away from the shore, transitioning from high to low tide.

Understanding tides is crucial for navigation, fishing, coastal development, environmental conservation, and recreational activities.

Tides are caused by the gravitational pull of the moon and the sun on the Earth's oceans, resulting in cyclical rising and falling sea levels.

Ebb refers to the movement of water towards the ocean, leading to low tide, while low tide is the point at which the water reaches its minimum height.

The duration of the ebb phase varies depending on the location and the lunar cycle, but it generally lasts for several hours.

Yes, the ebb and flow of tides can be predicted with high accuracy using astronomical observations and models.

Ships in shallow waters might need to adjust their operations during low tide and ebb to avoid grounding, especially in harbors and estuaries.

Factors include the alignment of the sun and moon with the Earth, the distance of the moon from the Earth, and geographical features of coastlines and ocean floors.

Yes, many marine species have adapted their behaviors and life cycles to the rhythm of the tides, including the ebb phase.

Lunar phases affect the magnitude of the tides, with the highest tides (spring tides) occurring during the new and full moon, and the lowest tides (neap tides) during the quarter moons.

While the ebb phase is a global phenomenon, its characteristics and impact can vary significantly based on location and topography.

No, the timing of the ebb phase shifts slightly each day due to the lunar day being about 24 hours and 50 minutes.

Yes, atmospheric pressure and wind can modify the timing and height of tides beyond their predicted levels.

Spring tides are higher and occur when the Earth, the moon, and the sun are aligned. Neap tides are lower and occur when the sun and moon are at right angles to each other.