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Brief Introduction To Vertical Datums and Tidal Levels: 1. Chart Datum
Brief Introduction To Vertical Datums and Tidal Levels: 1. Chart Datum
1. 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.
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3. 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.
4. 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
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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.
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