Tides

Front

What causes tides on Earth?

Back

Tides are caused by the gravitational pull of the Moon and the Sun on Earth's oceans.

Front

What is a tidal bulge?

Back

A tidal bulge is the rise in sea level on the side of Earth facing the Moon and the opposite side due to gravitational forces.

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

What is a neap tide?

Back

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

Front

How often do tides occur?

Back

Tides typically occur twice a day, with two high tides and two low tides.

Front

Which has a greater effect on Earth's tides, the Sun or the Moon?

Back

The Moon has a greater effect on Earth's tides due to its proximity to Earth.

Front

What is the difference between spring and neap tides?

Back

Spring tides occur when the Sun and Moon are aligned, while neap tides occur when they are at right angles.

Front

What phase of the Moon is associated with spring tides?

Back

Spring tides are associated with the new moon and full moon phases.

Front

What phase of the Moon is associated with neap tides?

Back

Neap tides are associated with the first and third quarter phases of the Moon.

Front

What is the role of the Sun in tidal movements?

Back

The Sun's gravitational pull also affects tides, but to a lesser extent than the Moon.