Tides

Front

What are tides?

Back

Tides are the regular rise and fall of sea levels caused by the gravitational forces of the Moon and the Sun on Earth.

Front

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

Back

The Moon has the greatest effect on Earth's tides due to its proximity to Earth.

Front

What is a spring tide?

Back

A spring tide is a tide that occurs when the Sun, Earth, and Moon are in alignment, resulting in higher high tides and lower low tides.

Front

What is a neap tide?

Back

A neap tide is a tide that occurs when the Sun and Moon are at right angles relative to Earth, resulting in lower high tides and higher low tides.

Front

What causes the difference in tidal range during spring and neap tides?

Back

The difference in tidal range is caused by the alignment of the Sun and Moon; spring tides have greater ranges due to alignment, while neap tides have smaller ranges.

Front

What is the gravitational effect of the Sun on tides?

Back

The Sun's gravity also affects tides, but to a lesser extent than the Moon due to its greater distance from Earth.

Front

What happens during a high tide?

Back

During a high tide, sea levels rise above average, often covering more of the shore.

Front

What happens during a low tide?

Back

During a low tide, sea levels fall below average, exposing more of the shore.

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 role of the Moon in tidal movements?

Back

The Moon's gravitational pull creates bulges in the Earth's oceans, leading to high tides in the areas facing the Moon.