Brief introduction to vertical datums and tidal Levels

Brief introduction to vertical datums and

tidal Levels
October 2006

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.

October 2006

Brief introduction to vertical datums and tidal Levels

Figure 1: Diagram showing Tidal Definitions

Source:

Chart 5011, UKHO

2. 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 extreme levels which can be reached as storm surges and other
meteorological conditions may cause considerably higher and lower levels to occur.

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

October 2006

Brief introduction to vertical datums and tidal Levels

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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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 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).

October 2006