Book 30, Question 22 · Video
Do lakes have tides?
Yes, but they are tiny. The Moon's gravity pulls on lake water just as it does on oceans, but lakes are small, so the effect is minimal. On the Great Lakes, lunar tides are only about an inch or two. Wind and air pressure change water levels far more than the Moon does, so you won't see a beach dry out twice a day.
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What Crafty Clover says in this video
Intro
Hi there, curious minds! I'm Crafty Clover! Let's discover something amazing. Do lakes have tides?
The Big Idea
Oceans have tides that rise and fall! Do lakes have tides too? Let's find out.
The Moon's Pull
Step one: The Moon's Pull. The Moon's gravity pulls on lake water, just like it does on oceans. But lakes are small, so the effect is tiny.
Inches Only
Step two: Inches Only. On the Great Lakes, lunar tides are only about an inch or two. Ocean tides can be many feet high.
Wind Wins
Step three: Wind Wins. Wind and air pressure change lake levels far more than the Moon does. So you won't see a beach dry out twice a day.
A Closer Look
Let's take a closer look! Pulls water. Big tides. Tiny tides. Bigger changes.
Quick Facts
Quick facts! Ocean tides can be many feet high, but lake tides are only inches. The Moon pulls lakes too. Just an inch or two. Wind matters more.
Think Like a Scientist
Now, think like a scientist! Fill a shallow tub with water. Put a ruler at one end. Tilt the tub very slightly. Watch the water level change. How big a tilt did you need?
Outro
Lakes do have tides from the Moon's gravity, but because lakes are small, Great Lakes tides are only about an inch or two. Wind and air pressure change lake levels far more, so beaches don't dry out twice a day. Science is amazing! Keep wondering and keep exploring! Share what you learned with someone at home, and see what they think! Crafty Clover can be found on Amazon Books, Google Bookstore, and Apple Books. Available for purchase or download! Bye for now!