Ocean Tides

Front

ocean tide

Back

the periodic rise and fall of the ocean’s surface caused by the gravitational force between Earth and the Moon, and Earth and the Sun.

Front

daily tide

Back

the predictable rise and fall of the ocean's surface each day.

Front

high tide

Back

when the ocean's surface reaches its highest point.

Front

low tide

Back

when the ocean's surface reaches its lowest point.

Front

tidal range

Back

the difference in water height between a high tide and a low tide.

Front

spring tide

Back

the largest tidal range that occurs when the Sun, Earth, and the Moon form a straight line.

Front

neap tide

Back

the lowest tidal range that occurs when the Sun, Earth, and the Moon form a right angle.