Which tidal cycle is typically associated with the Gulf of Mexico?

The Gulf of Mexico is associated with a semidiurnal tidal cycle, characterized by two high tides and two low tides occurring each lunar day, approximately every 24 hours and 50 minutes. This tidal pattern results from the interaction between the gravitational forces of the moon and the sun, along with the specific geography and bathymetry of the Gulf region, including its broad and shallow features. The predictable nature of semidiurnal tides is important for various marine activities, coastal ecosystems, and navigation within the Gulf.

While the diurnal cycle, which entails a single high tide and a single low tide in a lunar day, can be found in some areas, it is not representative of the Gulf of Mexico. Instead, mixed and monomodal tides are less characteristic of this area; mixed tides feature variations in tidal heights and timings, which do occur in some coastal areas but are not typical of the Gulf. Monomodal tidal cycles suggest a singular peak occurrence, diverging from the standard two-tide pattern seen in semidiurnal cycles. Therefore, the semidiurnal tidal cycle best represents the habitual tidal interactions in the Gulf of Mexico.