Tides and sea level in the Gulf of Aqaba (Eilat)

In this paper, we discuss observations of tidal variations in currents and elevation taken in the Gulf of Aqaba (Eilat) over the fringing coral reef at Eilat, Israel. Both currents and elevations appear to be strongly affected by conditions in the main body of the Red Sea. Tidal currents, which vary considerably in strength throughout the year, appear to be associated with internal waves generated at the Strait of Tiran where density-driven exchanges between the Gulf of Aqaba and the Red Sea take place. Water level also has significant annual and interannual variations; as seen in other studies of the Red Sea, these appear to be associated with corresponding variations in winds acting on the entire Red Sea.