Overhead view of rippling sand from a low tide, filled with small amounts of water.

Tides & Currents

Waves breaking on the shore

Currents, Waves, and Tides

Ever wonder about how waves form, or why tides rise and fall? This overview dives into everything to know.

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Featured Content

CARTHE Drifters: Where does oil go when it is spilled?

One-meter-tall plastic drifters are released into the Gulf of Mexico in 2012. Over 300 of these drifters were released and their location information was sent to researchers every five minutes through GPS satellite.

Are You An Educator?

At Smithsonian Ocean, we have lesson plans, activities, and resources to help you engage your students in the wonders of our oceans.
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Tides & Currents Articles

Tracking volcanic rock to the shores of Belize

Carrie Bow Cay field station sits in the blue and turquoise waters of Belize.

Scientists Work to Predict and Prevent Algae Blooms

An algal bloom, also known as a red tide, has converted the ocean's surf to a red color