Tides

Front

What are tides?

Back

Tides are the regular rise and fall of sea levels caused by the gravitational forces exerted by the moon and the sun on Earth.

Front

What causes tides on Earth?

Back

Tides are primarily caused by the gravitational pull of the moon and, to a lesser extent, the sun.

Front

Why does the moon have a greater influence on tides than the sun?

Back

The moon has a greater influence on tides than the sun because it is much closer to the Earth.

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 the Earth, resulting in lower high tides and higher low tides.

Front

When do spring tides occur?

Back

Spring tides occur during the full moon and new moon phases when the sun, Earth, and moon are aligned.

Front

When do neap tides occur?

Back

Neap tides occur during the first and third quarter moon phases when the sun and moon are at right angles to each other.

Front

What is the difference between spring and neap tides?

Back

Spring tides are higher and occur during full and new moons, while neap tides are lower and occur during the first and third quarters.

Front

How often do tides occur?

Back

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

Front

What is the role of the sun in tides?

Back

The sun also affects tides, but its influence is less than that of the moon due to its greater distance from Earth.