Short Wave Why The Science Of Tides Was Crucial For D-Day
Jun 5, 2024
Gregory Dussek, an oceanographer at NOAA, dives into the pivotal role tides played in the D-Day invasion during WWII. He unpacks how precise tidal predictions were vital for the success of this historic operation. The conversation explores the intersection of tides with astronomy and ecology, emphasizing their significance in shipping and disaster preparedness. Dussek also discusses the promising future of harnessing tidal currents for renewable energy, addressing both technological advancements and climate change challenges affecting coastal regions.
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D-Day Tides
- The Allies needed the right tides for D-Day, the largest sea-to-land invasion in history.
- Oceanographer Gregory Dusek explains how crucial tides were for the operation's success.
Tides 101
- Tides are crucial, impacting shipping, fishing, and floods.
- They're created by the gravitational pull of the sun and moon, causing bulges of water on Earth.
Tidal Forces
- The sun and moon's alignment during full or new moons creates the strongest tides.
- Intermediate moon phases result in less extreme high and low tides.