Understanding the Tides

Front

What are tides?

Back

Tides are the regular rise and fall of sea levels caused by the gravitational forces exerted by the moon and the sun on the Earth's oceans.

Front

What causes spring tides?

Back

Spring tides occur when the sun and moon are aligned, resulting in the highest high tides and the lowest low tides.

Front

What causes neap tides?

Back

Neap tides occur when the sun and moon are at right angles to each other, resulting in the lowest high tides and the highest 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 role of the moon in tides?

Back

The moon's gravitational pull is the primary force that causes tides, influencing the water levels in the oceans.

Front

What is the difference between high tide and low tide?

Back

High tide is the maximum level of the sea, while low tide is the minimum level of the sea.

Front

What is the tidal range?

Back

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

Front

What is a tidal cycle?

Back

A tidal cycle refers to the pattern of rising and falling tides, typically occurring over a 24-hour period.

Front

What is the significance of the sun in tidal patterns?

Back

The sun also exerts a gravitational force on the Earth's oceans, affecting the height and timing of tides, but to a lesser extent than the moon.

Front

What happens to tides during a full moon?

Back

During a full moon, spring tides occur, leading to higher high tides and lower low tides.