Tidal Constituents

vibes of this week: nostalgia, happy, yay end of winter quarter!

Songdo Beach in Busan, South Korea was the first public access beach and it opened in 1913. One of the biggest issues that beaches in the Busan area are facing right now is extreme coastal erosion. A coastal erosion survey from 2024 showed that none of the 9 beaches in Busan received "A" ratings in terms of erosion. Most were given B or C ratings [2]. Furthermore, these beaches are also facing intense littering. However, this problem is actively being combatted through community clean-ups and intervention [3]. Happy last week of winter quarter, have a great spring break everyone!!

Most Common Tidal Constituents on the Korea-Tsushima Strait [1]:

M2 (Principal Lunar Semidiurnal): The largest lunar constituent, representing roughly half of the semi-diurnal tidal range.

S2 (Principal Solar Semidiurnal): The largest solar constituent, often combined with M2 to dictate the fortnightly spring/neap cycle.

K1 (Luni-solar Diurnal): A major diurnal constituent affecting the inequality between the two daily high or low tides.

O1 (Lunar Diurnal): A major diurnal constituent.

Cite:

[1] W. J. Teague, H. T. Perkins, G. A. Jacobs, and J. W. Book, “Tide observations in the Korea-Tsushima Strait,” Continental Shelf Research, vol. 21, no. 5, pp. 545–561, Feb. 2001. doi: 10.1016/S0278-4343(00)00110-2.

[2] H.-j. Kim, “It was pointed out that coastal erosion at beaches in Busan is so serious that coastal management measures should be urgently prepared,” Maeil Business Newspaper, Jun. 06, 2025. Accessed: Apr. 05, 2026. [Online]. Available: https://www.mk.co.kr/en/society/11336066

[3] "School Children Team Up with UN and NGOs to Clean Busan Beach on World Environment Day," UNEP NOWPAP. Jun. 05, 2018. Accessed: Apr. 05, 2026. [Online]. Available: https://www.unep.org/nowpap/index.php/news-and-stories/story/school-children-team-un-and-ngos-clean-busan-beach-world-environment-day