6.9B Tides

Front

What causes tides on Earth?

Back

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

Front

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

Back

The moon is closer to the Earth than the sun, which makes its gravitational pull stronger on the oceans.

Front

What are spring tides?

Back

Spring tides occur when the Earth, moon, and sun are aligned, resulting in higher high tides and lower low tides.

Front

What are neap tides?

Back

Neap tides occur when the moon is at a right angle to the Earth and sun, resulting in lower high tides and higher low tides.

Front

When do spring tides occur?

Back

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

Front

When do neap tides occur?

Back

Neap tides occur during the first and third quarter moon phases.

Front

What is a tidal bulge?

Back

A tidal bulge is the rise in sea level on the side of the Earth facing the moon due to its gravitational pull.

Front

True or False: There are two tidal bulges on Earth at the same time.

Back

True. One bulge is on the side facing the moon, and the other is on the opposite side.

Front

What happens to the tides when the moon is full?

Back

When the moon is full, spring tides occur, leading to higher high tides.

Front

What is the effect of the sun on tides?

Back

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