Tides

Front

What is a spring tide?

Back

A spring tide occurs when the sun, Earth, and moon are aligned, resulting in higher high tides and lower low tides.

Front

When do spring tides occur?

Back

Spring tides occur during the new moon and full moon phases.

Front

What is a neap tide?

Back

A neap tide occurs when the sun and moon are at right angles relative to the Earth, resulting in lower high tides and higher low tides.

Front

When do neap tides occur?

Back

Neap tides occur during the 1st quarter and 3rd quarter lunar phases.

Front

Why is the moon primarily responsible for tides on Earth?

Back

The moon is primarily responsible for tides on Earth because it is much closer to the Earth than the sun.

Front

What is the gravitational effect of the moon on Earth?

Back

The gravitational pull of the moon creates bulges in the Earth's oceans, leading to high and low tides.

Front

How do spring tides differ from neap tides in terms of tidal range?

Back

Spring tides have a larger tidal range (higher high tides and lower low tides) compared to neap tides, which have a smaller tidal range.

Front

What role does the sun play in the occurrence of tides?

Back

The sun's gravitational pull also affects tides, but its effect is less than that of the moon due to its greater distance from Earth.

Front

What is the tidal cycle?

Back

The tidal cycle refers to the regular rise and fall of sea levels caused by the gravitational forces of the moon and sun, typically occurring twice a day.

Front

What is the significance of the alignment of the Earth, moon, and sun in tidal patterns?

Back

The alignment of the Earth, moon, and sun determines whether spring or neap tides occur, affecting the height of the tides.