Which factors can influence tides?

Tides are primarily influenced by the gravitational pull of the moon and the sun, but they are also significantly affected by additional factors, such as the shape of the coastline and atmospheric pressure. The coastline can alter the behavior of tides because different shapes can create areas where water can accumulate or flow differently, resulting in variations in tidal ranges and timing.

Atmospheric pressure can influence tides as well—higher pressure conditions can push water down, resulting in lower tides, while lower pressure can allow water levels to rise and can lead to higher tides. This interaction means that local conditions can change how tides manifest in a particular area.

Other factors that might be impacted by but do not exclusively determine tides include the rotation of the Earth and wind patterns, but these are secondary influences compared to the primary role played by gravitational forces and coastal geography.