What Are King Tides?
King Tides are the highest natural tides of the year, occurring when the sun and moon’s gravitational forces align and the moon is at its closest point to Earth. These extreme tides offer a glimpse into what rising sea levels might mean for our coastal communities.
Graphic: NOAA. Perigean tides. www.oceanservice.noaa.gov
Why Are They Important?
King Tides allow scientists and communities to observe and document flooding patterns, helping us plan for the future and build resilience against sea-level rise.
Graphic: Kinney, 2024. Identified trouble spots. https://www.wetlandswatch.org/catchtheking
How to Get Involved
Be part of the solution! Help us document and map King Tides using community science apps.
Ways to Participate
Take Photos of Flooded Areas
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- Snap pictures of King Tide impacts in your area.
- Include landmarks or specific locations in the photos.
- Please include:
- GPS or address of the photo location
- Name of the photographer
- Date and time the photo was taken
- Any additional observations about the area
- Send Your (Safely Taken) Photos and Observations To: Waterkeeper@coastalcarolinariverwatch.org
Join CCRW’s Tide Mapping Team
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- Become part of a dedicated team contributing to flood mapping efforts.
Photo: LEWIS, 2024. TS Debby. Location: Morehead City N9th and Bay St.
Map Flooding Using These Apps
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- Sea Level Rise App
- Download this app on your phone and start mapping during high tide!
- Sea Level Rise App
Why It Matters
- Enhance Scientific Research: Your data contributes to flood modeling and coastal resilience planning.
- Raise Awareness: Help your community understand the impacts of climate change and sea-level rise.
- Make a Difference: Every photo and mapped location helps build a stronger response to future flooding events.
Join the Effort Today! 💪
Gallery
Let’s work together to protect our coastlines and prepare for the impacts of climate change.
Contact us to learn more or get started!
King Tide Calendar 2025
The North Carolina King Tides Project has identified the following King Tide events for 2025:
NC King Tides Project, 2025. https://nckingtides.web.unc.edu/
For the most accurate and location-specific tide predictions, it’s recommended to consult NOAA’s tide prediction resources.
Resources
Empower the next generation of citizen scientists! Download the King Tide Community Science: Engaging Students in Coastal Resilience brochure to inspire hands-on learning, explore real-world impacts of sea level rise, and contribute to coastal protection efforts.
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