What is the difference between a flood tide and an ebb tide?

A flood tide refers to the rising phase of the tide, when water levels increase and the sea moves inland, typically occurring as the tide approaches its highest point. In contrast, an ebb tide is the falling phase, where water levels decrease and the sea recedes back towards the ocean, usually occurring after the high tide. The cycle of flood and ebb tides is driven by the gravitational pull of the moon and sun, along with the Earth's rotation. This cycle generally occurs approximately every six hours.