December King Tides

King Tides are the highest predictable high tides of the year, caused by the alignment of the Earth, Moon, and Sun when the Moon is closest to Earth.

What is a King Tide?

• Astronomical Alignment: They happen when gravitational pulls from a new or full moon combine with the Moon’s closest point to Earth (perigee).
• Future Sea Levels: They give us a preview of what daily average high tides might look like in the coming decades due to sea level rise.
• Not Climate Change Itself: While climate change raises baseline water levels, the tide event itself is a normal, predictable astronomical cycle.

Photo Opportunities for Camera Clubs

• Fixed Reference Points: Shoot water levels next to static objects like seawalls, piers, pilings, or bridge supports to show true height.
• Coastal Flooding: Capture minor street flooding, submerged coastal paths, or waves splashing over bulkheads.
• Before and After: Take one photo during the peak King Tide and a second shot from the exact same spot during a normal high tide for comparison.
• Wildlife and Habitats: Look for shorebirds squeezed into smaller patches of dry beach or marine life exposed in unusual zones.

Safety and Tips

• Check Local Tables: Consult local tide charts and plan to arrive right at the predicted peak high-tide time.
• Watch for Surges: High winds or storms can supercharge a King Tide into dangerous wave action. Stay back from cliffs and slippery jetties.
• Citizen Science: Tag and share your club’s images using regional projects like the California King Tides Project to help researchers track data.