What is defined as the difference in height between successive high and low tides?

The term that describes the difference in height between successive high and low tides is known as the tidal range. This measurement indicates the vertical variation in sea level created by the gravitational effects of the moon and the sun, as well as localized factors such as coastal geography and atmospheric pressure.

Understanding tidal range is crucial for various marine activities, including navigation, fishing, and coastal construction, as it informs how much water will rise and fall over a given period. The larger the tidal range, the greater the difference between high and low tide, which can lead to more pronounced coastal processes such as erosion and sediment deposition.

The other terms provided serve different purposes in oceanography. Slack water refers to the period of no current or movement in the water between rising and falling tides. Salinity measures the salt concentration in water and is important for understanding marine ecosystems, while tidal datum refers to a specific reference point used for measuring tidal heights. Each of these concepts plays a distinct role in oceanographic studies, but only tidal range specifically relates to the difference in height between high and low tides.