Moon Tides and Seasons flashcard

Front

What are tides?

Back

Tides are the rise and fall of sea levels caused by the gravitational forces exerted by the Moon and the Sun, as well as the rotation of the Earth.

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What is a Spring Tide?

Back

A Spring Tide is a tide that occurs when the Sun, Moon, and Earth are aligned, resulting in the highest high tides and the lowest low tides. This typically happens during the full moon and new moon phases.

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What is a Neap Tide?

Back

A Neap Tide is a tide that occurs when the Sun and Moon are at right angles relative to the Earth, resulting in the lowest high tides and the highest low tides. This typically happens during the first and third quarter moon phases.

Front

What is the Summer Solstice?

Back

The Summer Solstice is the longest day of the year, occurring around June 21 in the Northern Hemisphere, when the Sun reaches its highest point in the sky.

Front

How long does it take for the Moon to complete one full cycle of phases?

Back

It takes approximately 29.5 days for the Moon to complete one full cycle of phases, known as a lunar month.

Front

What causes the seasons on Earth?

Back

The seasons are caused by the tilt of the Earth's axis and its orbit around the Sun, leading to varying angles of sunlight at different times of the year.

Front

What is the difference between the first quarter and last quarter moon?

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The first quarter moon is when half of the Moon is illuminated and visible from Earth, while the last quarter moon is when the opposite half is illuminated.

Front

What is the significance of the equinoxes?

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Equinoxes occur when day and night are approximately equal in length, marking the beginning of spring and autumn. They occur around March 21 (Spring Equinox) and September 23 (Autumnal Equinox).

Front

What is the gravitational effect of the Moon on Earth?

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The Moon's gravitational pull causes ocean tides and affects the Earth's rotation and axial tilt.

Front

What is the role of the Sun in tidal patterns?

Back

The Sun's gravitational pull also affects tides, but its effect is less than that of the Moon. When the Sun and Moon align, they create higher spring tides.