An especially high tide that occurs several times a year when the gravitational pull of the sun and moon align and combine at their most effective, typically around the new or full moon nearest the point when the moon is closest to Earth. King tides are a normal, predictable astronomical event rather than a storm-driven surge, but they offer a preview of the coastal flooding that will become routine as sea levels continue to rise.
Facts
PeriodicityPerigean spring tides occur three or four times a year 1 First DescribedTerm originated in Pacific countries; not a scientific term 1 Connections
Associated With
When an astronomical king tide coincides with a storm surge, the two combine into the most severe recorded coastal flooding events, a documented compound-flood mechanism distinct from either phenomenon occurring alone.
Sources
1. King tide, Wikipedia
Introduction
A king tide is an especially high spring tide, especially the perigean spring tides which occur three or four times a year.
Terminology
The expression originated in Pacific countries to describe especially high tides that occur a few times per year.
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