Tidal Loading

Tidal loading refers to the deformation of Earth’s crust caused by the gravitational attraction of the Moon and the Sun, which moves large masses of ocean water across the planet. This redistribution of ocean mass exerts varying pressure on coastlines and ocean floors, leading to small but measurable crustal displacements. These effects can reach several centimeters and are corrected in precise geodetic measurements such as GNSS, VLBI, and SLR.