What is the daily rise and fall in the elevation of ocean surface at a specific location caused by gravitational attractions?

The daily rise and fall in the elevation of the ocean surface at a specific location, primarily caused by the gravitational attractions of the Moon and the Sun on Earth's oceans, is referred to as tides. Tides are influenced by the relative positions of these celestial bodies, resulting in a cyclic pattern of high and low water levels, commonly experienced approximately every 12 hours.

Understanding tides is crucial as they play a significant role in coastal ecosystems and influence various marine activities such as fishing, shipping, and navigation. The gravitational pull of the Moon has a more pronounced effect on tides due to its proximity to Earth, while the Sun exerts a lesser but still significant gravitational influence.

Other options, while important in their context, refer to different concepts. Groundwater pertains to water stored beneath the Earth's surface in soil and rock formations. The hydrological cycle describes the continuous movement of water on, above, and below the Earth's surface, including processes like evaporation, condensation, precipitation, and infiltration. The thermosphere, on the other hand, is a layer of the Earth’s atmosphere that plays a role in weather and climate but is unrelated to the specific phenomena of ocean surface elevation changes caused by gravitational forces.