Tides

Front

What is a tide?

Back

A tide is the regular rise and fall of sea levels caused by the gravitational forces exerted by the moon and the sun, as well as the rotation of the Earth.

Front

What causes high and low tides?

Back

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

Front

What is high tide?

Back

High tide is the highest point that the water reaches on the shore during the tidal cycle.

Front

What is low tide?

Back

Low tide is the lowest point that the water reaches on the shore during the tidal cycle.

Front

What are spring tides?

Back

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

Front

What are neap tides?

Back

Neap tides are tides that occur when the sun and moon are at right angles relative to the 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

What is the tidal range?

Back

The tidal range is the difference in height between high tide and low tide.

Front

What is the role of the moon in tides?

Back

The moon's gravitational pull is the primary force that causes tides, creating bulges of water on the side of the Earth facing the moon.

Front

How does the sun affect tides?

Back

The sun also exerts a gravitational pull on Earth's oceans, but its effect is less than that of the moon. However, it can enhance or diminish the tides depending on its alignment with the moon.