What does the y-axis depict in the chart produced by a tidal gauge?

In a chart produced by a tidal gauge, the y-axis typically represents height or depth, specifically the water level at a given location over a certain period of time. The primary function of a tidal gauge is to measure changes in water elevation, capturing how tides fluctuate in response to lunar and solar gravitational pull, weather conditions, and other environmental factors. The data collected is crucial for understanding tidal patterns and can serve various applications, including navigation safety, coastal management, and the study of ecological impacts along shorelines.

While time is indeed represented on the x-axis, the y-axis focusing on height or depth reflects the critical information that tidal gauges provide regarding the vertical measurement of water levels, which is vital for comprehensive hydrographic studies.