tidal bulge

A tidal bulge is the result of the gravitational pull exerted by the Moon and, to a lesser extent, the Sun on the Earth’s oceans. As the Earth rotates, the water is drawn towards the Moon, creating a bulge of higher water levels, or high tide, on the side facing the Moon. Simultaneously, on the opposite side, another bulge occurs due to the inertia of the water. This dual effect results in two tidal bulges, leading to cycles of high and low tides as different parts of the Earth move into and out of these bulges throughout the day.