The short distance between the Moon and Earth is responsible for creating “royal tides” which threaten many coastal areas.
During a super moon, coastal authorities must closely monitor sea level for possible flooding, according to the Christian Science Monitor. Because it is located at the closest point to Earth at a distance of 356,508 km, the Moon’s gravity will have a stronger effect on the oceans of the planet, creating higher tides than usually called ” royal tides “.
Along the eastern seaboard of the United States, particularly in southern Florida, communities are bracing for flooding caused by the “royal tide” caused by the super moon. Along with melting arctic ice and rising sea levels around the world, a super moon could be more damaging than in the past.
“The tides are usually strongest at the time of the new moon at the beginning of the month or at the full moon. At these phases, the Sun, Moon and Earth are aligned. The influence of the Sun and the Moon on the oceans of the Earth is in the same direction. The distance between the Moon and the Earth also has a big impact on the tides. In general, the tides are much higher during super moons and flooding is more likely, “said Robert Boyle, associate professor of geology, physics, and astronomy at Dickinson University, United States, explains.
On the American coasts, the “royal tide” seen occurs once or twice a year, inundating low lying areas. As the sea level rises, flooding becomes more frequent and the “royal tide” becomes a more serious problem.
“It all depends on the location,” said Stephen Strader, professor of environmental geography at Villanov University in Philadelphia. “For example, sites closer to the ocean are more prone to flooding due to high tides.”
Super moons occur due to the elliptical orbit of the Moon. When the Moon is aligned with Earth and the Sun is at its closest point to Earth (perigee), it is 14% larger and 30% brighter than a normal full moon. The perigee super moon will only reappear in 18 years
