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What Is the Difference Between Currents & Tides?

Meteorologists refer to high and low tide, and lifeguards warn swimmers of strong currents, but the difference between these two water phenomena may not be clear. The words "tide" and "current" are sometimes used synonymously, but they are far from the same.

Tides
- The distinguishing factor between a tide and a current is the direction of movement. A tide moves up and down, rather than side to side. Tides are caused by the position of the sun and the moon and their gravitational pull.
Currents
- A current describes the motion of water and moves horizontally from left to right as opposed to vertically. Tides are affected by gravitational pull, and the formation of a current is a direct effect of a strong tide. Currents can also be dictated by wind and thermohaline circulation.
Tidal Current
- A tidal current--the combination of the above terms--is a specific type of current. A tidal current involves the horizontal movement of a typical current, but is specifically associated with the rise and fall of the tide.

Nature