What characterizes the tides of large bodies of water?

The tides of large bodies of water are characterized by a cycle of periodic rise and fall in water level. This phenomenon is primarily driven by the gravitational pull of the moon and the sun, leading to regular fluctuations in sea level known as tidal cycles. These cycles occur approximately every 12 hours, resulting in two high tides and two low tides each day in most coastal areas.

The consistent pattern of these tidal changes is essential for understanding coastal dynamics, navigation, and marine ecosystems, as it influences various factors such as sediment transport and the availability of aquatic habitats. The predictable nature of tidal cycles contrasts with other phenomena, like continuous rises or flooding events, which do not reflect the regularity associated with tidal movements.