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 on the Earth.

Front

What causes tides?

Back

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

Front

What is a neap tide?

Back

A neap tide is a tide that occurs when the moon is in its first or third quarter phase, resulting in the least difference between high and low tides.

Front

What is a spring tide?

Back

A spring tide is a tide that occurs when the Earth, moon, and sun are aligned, resulting in the greatest difference between high and low tides.

Front

How often do tides occur?

Back

Tides generally occur twice a day, with two high tides and two low tides.

Front

What is the time interval between high and low tides?

Back

The time interval between high and low tides is approximately 6 hours.

Front

What is the difference between spring and neap tides?

Back

Spring tides occur when the Earth, moon, and sun are aligned, while neap tides occur when the moon is at a right angle to the Earth-sun line.

Front

What is the role of the moon in tides?

Back

The moon's gravitational pull is the primary force that causes tides on Earth.

Front

What is the role of the sun in tides?

Back

The sun also exerts a gravitational pull on the Earth's oceans, but its effect is less than that of the moon.

Front

What happens during a full moon?

Back

During a full moon, spring tides occur due to the alignment of the Earth, moon, and sun.