Brief Introduction to Vertical Datums and Tidal Levels

Brief Introduction to Vertical Datums and Tidal Levels

Chart Datum Chart Datum is the plane below which all depths are published on a navigational chart. It is also the plane to which all tidal heights are referred, so by adding the tidal height to the charted depth, the true depth of water is determined. By international agreement, Chart Datum is defined as a level so low that the tide will not frequently fall below it. In the United Kingdom, this level is normally approximately the level of Lowest Astronomical Tide. Chart Datum is shown on charts as the zero metre contour. As Chart Datum is related to the range of the tide in any given area, its level varies from place to place and there is a varying relationship between it and Ordnance Datum (Newlyn) the Ordnance Surveys vertical datum to which all land heights are referred. For each tidal station around the UK coastline, there will generally be a calculated difference between Chart Datum and OD(N). These values can be found in the Admiralty Tide Tables United Kingdom and Ireland publication, so for small areas the relationship can be fairly easily determined. However, for large areas additional complex calculations are required to calculate a smooth Difference Model based on the tidal range. Presently, the difference model used by SeaZone is accurate to about 0.8 m. The UKHO is currently undertaking a project known as Vertical Offshore Reference Framework (VORF) which will create a more accurate difference model for UK waters. The diagram below (Figure 1) shows the level of Chart Datum and other tidal levels and how they relate to each other and the coastline. The acronyms used in the diagram are explained below.

Figure 1: Diagram showing Tidal Definitions

Source: Chart 5011, UKHO

HAT (Highest Astronomical Tide) & LAT (Lowest Astronomical Tide). The highest and lowest levels respectively which can be predicted to occur under average meteorological conditions and under any combination of astronomical conditions; these levels will not be reached every year. HAT and LAT are not the

SeaZone Solutions Ltd

Oct 2006

Brief Introduction to Vertical Datums and Tidal Levels

extreme levels which can be reached as storm surges and other meteorological conditions may cause considerably higher and lower levels to occur. Spring Tides During the full moon and new moon phases of a Lunar cycle (approximately a fortnightly occurrence), the gravitational forces of the moon and the sun act to reinforce one another. The tides experience an increased range during these phases. Since the combined tidal force is increased the high tides are higher and the low tides are lower than average. Spring tide is a term which implies a welling up of the water and bears no relationship to the season of the year. Neap Tides During the first and third quarter phases of a Lunar cycle (again approximately a fortnightly occurrence), the gravitational forces of the moon and the sun counteract one another. The tides experience a decreased range during these phases. Since the combined tidal force is decreased the high tides are lower and the low tides are higher than average. The word Neap is of Greek origin, meaning scanty. MHWS (Mean High Water Springs) & MLWS (Mean Low Water Springs) The height of mean high water springs is the average of the heights of two successive high waters during those periods of 24 hrs (approximately once a fortnight) when the range of the tide is greatest. The height of mean low water springs is the average height obtained by the two successive low waters during the same period, i.e. MHWS The average HEIGHT of the HIGH WATERS of SPRING TIDES above Chart Datum. MLWS The average HEIGHT of all LOW WATERS of SPRING TIDES above Chart Datum. MHWN (Mean High Water Neaps) & MLWN (Mean Low Water Neaps) The height of mean high water neaps is the average, throughout a year as defined above, of the heights of two successive high waters during those periods (approximately once a fortnight) when the range of the tide is least. The height of mean low water neaps is the average height obtained from the two successive low waters during the same periods, i.e. MHWN The average HEIGHT of the HIGH WATERS of NEAP TIDES above Chart Datum. MLWN The average HEIGHT of the LOW WATERS of NEAP TIDES above Chart Datum. The values of MHWS, MHWN, MLWN and MLWS vary from year to year in a cycle of approximately 18.6 years. In general the levels are computed from at least a years predictions and are adjusted for the long period variations to give values which are the average over the whole cycle. The values of Lowest Astronomical Tide (LAT) and Highest Astronomical Tide (HAT) are determined by inspection over a span of years. MSL (Mean Sea Level) Mean Sea Level is the average level of the sea surface over a long period, normally 19 years, or the average level which would exist in the absence of tides, i.e. The

SeaZone Solutions Ltd

Oct 2006

Brief Introduction to Vertical Datums and Tidal Levels

average HEIGHT of the surface of the SEA at a TIDE STATION for all stages of the TIDE over a 19 year period, usually determined from hourly height readings measured from a fixed predetermined reference level (Chart Datum).

SeaZone Technical Support Team October 2006

SeaZone Solutions Ltd

Oct 2006