Boating License Practice Test 2025 - Free Boating Exam Practice Questions and Study Guide

The term for currents caused by the gravitational effects of the sun and moon is tidal currents. These currents are driven by the periodic rise and fall of sea levels, which occurs due to the gravitational pull of the moon and, to a lesser extent, the sun. As these celestial bodies exert their gravitational force on the Earth's waters, they create variations in water levels, leading to the movement of water, which is characteristic of tidal currents.

Tidal currents flow in and out of bays and estuaries with the changing tides, affecting navigation, fishing, and other marine activities. Understanding tidal currents is essential for boaters, as they can significantly influence the speed and direction of a vessel. Recognizing how these currents work can enhance safety and improve efficiency while on the water.

In contrast, tidal waves refer to large ocean waves caused by seismic activity rather than the gravitational forces of celestial bodies. Surface currents are primarily driven by wind patterns and the Earth's rotation, not directly by gravitational pull. Estuarine currents are influenced by the inflow and outflow of freshwater and tidal forces, but they are a specific type of current that occurs in estuary systems rather than the broader tidal currents influenced directly by the sun and moon.