The power of the tide can be seen in this photograph. It shows people running for their lives from a powerful tidal wave which has crashed over a coastal/river wall (China 2000). If tidal power can be harnessed electricity can be produced in large quantities.

The Earth is covered mainly by water. The seas as we call them, have currents and tides that circulate round the world. This vast amount of moving water produces immense amounts of energy. Countries like Britain that are surrounded by powerful seas and oceans are ideally placed to convert the energy of tides, sea currents and waves to produce electrical energy.
The main problem in harnessing sea power is that it is not easy and usually means investment of large amounts of money. Also, quite advanced engineering and technology are required to convert sea power to electrical power.
The power of the sea can be harnessed in three main ways; through the energy of waves, the energy of sea currents and tides.

The incoming and outgoing tides of the sea can be harnessed to produce electrical power. Tides are often very powerful and the sea can move very quickly when the tide is coming into land. When the tide approaches land the amount of water rushing forwards can be measured in terms of millions of gallons. This is an immense force of moving water.

QUESTION:

1. Draw a simple diagram to help explain how the tide can be used to generate electricity.