Barnegat Bay King Tide Photo Initiative

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About Barnegat Bay King Tide Photo Initiative

What are king tides?

King tides are extreme high tides. They occur when the earth, moon, and sun are aligned and gravitational forces affecting the earth are greatest. King tides are predicted at perigee (the point in the orbit of the moon where it is closest to the earth) and at perihelion (the point in the orbit of the earth where it is closest to the sun).

When is the next king tide for Barnegat Bay?

The next king tide will occur on Thursday, October 27, 2011.

What is the Barnegat Bay King Tide Photo Initiative?

The Barnegat Bay King Tide Photo Initiative will help document water levels during the October 27th king tide for Barnegat Bay. Anyone can share their photos of water levels during this king tide.

Why should we document the king tides?

King tides provide a preview of the effects of sea level rise on coastal areas. According to predicted sea level rise, the King tides of today will be the average tide levels of the future. Recent studies project that global sea level will rise three to five feet by 2100. These new projections, combined with observed trends, suggest that King Tide water levels will become average high water levels by the 2030s, 40s, or 50s. The photos will be used to help policymakers and planners visualize the projected impacts form rising sea levels and plan for the future. They will also help to identify coastal areas currently vulnerable to tidal flooding.

How do I participate?

You should take "before" and "after" photos of areas known to flood and/or of areas where the high water level can be easily seen against structures, such as bridge supports or bulkheads. "Before" photos should show average water levels (these can be taken during any average tide, even after October 27th), while the "after" photos should show the King tide levels for the same location. To determine when the highest tide is predicted for your location on October 27, check NOAA's tide tables (tidesandcurrents.noaa.gov/tides11/tpred2.html#NY).

What information should I submit with my photos?

Please include a description of the photo location (GPS position, if possible), photo orientation (direction you are facing when taking the photo), and the date and time of day the photo was taken. After adding your photos to the group, we request that you "Add this photo to your map" so that we will be able to document the photo locations on a map of the region.
If adding licensing to your photos, we recommend that you select the Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike License. This license will allow us to use your photography in presentations and publications and on websites and social media.


For more information about the Barnegat Bay King Tide Photo Initiative, visit Barnegat Bay Partnership's website at bbp.ocean.edu, or contact:
Karen Walzer, Public Outreach Coordinator
email: kwalzer@ocean.edu
phone: 732-255-0472 x2