The tidal measurements of James Cook during the voyage of theEndeavour

Abstract

Abstract. The main priority of the first of James Cook's famous voyages of discovery was the observation of the transit of Venus at Tahiti. Following that, he was ordered to embark on a search for new lands in the South Pacific Ocean. Cook had instructions to record as many aspects of the environment as possible at each place that he visited, including the character of the tide. This paper makes an assessment of the quality of Cook's tidal observations using modern knowledge of the tide, and with an assumption that no major tidal changes have taken place during the past two and half centuries. We conclude that Cook's tidal measurements were accurate in general to about 0.5 ft (15 cm) in height and 0.5 h in time. Those of his findings which are less consistent with modern insight can be explained by the short stays of the Endeavour at some places. Cook's measurements were good enough (or unique enough) to be included in global compilations of tidal information in the 18th century and were used in the 19th century in the construction of the first worldwide tidal atlases. In most cases, they support Cook's reputation as a good observer of the environment.

Preface: Developments in the science and history of tides

“…One of the first papers in the special issue was concerned with the tidal data obtained by James Cook during his remarkable voyage to Tahiti to observe the Transit of Venus fol-lowed by the first landings by Europeans in New Zealand and Australia (Woodworth and Rowe, 2018). This paper marked yet another anniversary in 2019, in this case being 250 years since Cook's arrival at Tahiti.…”

Preface: Developments in the Science and History of Tides

“…One of the first papers in the special issue was concerned with the tidal data obtained by James Cook during his remarkable voyage to Tahiti to observe the Transit of Venus followed by the first landings by Europeans in New Zealand and Australia (Woodworth and Rowe, 2018). This paper marked yet another anniversary in 2019, in this case being 250 years since Cook's arrival at Tahiti.…”

New Zealand’s First Tide Gauge-based Sea Level Measurements

“…246-247). As noted in Woodworth and Rowe (2018), there is no information on how Cook made his tidal observations on the Endeavour voyage but, by whatever method he employed, Cook's range is clearly overstated.…”

“…These instructions were more specific than those given to Cook for his Endeavour voyage, which simply required the "direction and Course of the Tides and Currents" to be obtained. Woodworth and Rowe (2018) provides a review and assessment of the quality of the tidal observations made by Cook during his Endeavour voyage, based on modern tide information.…”