Tides

Front

What causes tides?

Back

Tides are caused by the gravitational pull of the moon and the sun on Earth's oceans.

Front

How many high tides occur in a day?

Back

There are typically 2 high tides in a day.

Front

How many low tides occur in a day?

Back

There are typically 2 low tides in a day.

Front

What is a tidal bulge?

Back

A tidal bulge is the increase in water level caused by the gravitational pull of the moon and sun.

Front

Which celestial body has the greatest effect on Earth's tides?

Back

The moon has the greatest effect on Earth's tides.

Front

What is the term for water that is lower than sea level?

Back

Low tide.

Front

What is the term for water that is higher than sea level?

Back

High tide.

Front

What is the difference between spring tides and neap tides?

Back

Spring tides occur when the sun, moon, and Earth are aligned, resulting in higher high tides and lower low tides. Neap tides occur when the sun and moon are at right angles to each other, resulting in lower high tides and higher low tides.

Front

What role does gravity play in tides?

Back

Gravity pulls the water in the oceans towards the moon and sun, creating tides.

Front

What is sea level?

Back

Sea level is the average height of the ocean's surface.