Moon and Tides Flashcard

Front

What are spring tides?

Back

Strong tides caused by a new or full Moon, where high tides are very high and low tides are very low.

Front

What is a new moon?

Back

The phase of the Moon when none of the side facing Earth is lit.

Front

What are neap tides?

Back

Weak tides caused by first and last quarter Moons, where high tides are not very high and low tides are not very low.

Front

What does waning mean in relation to the Moon?

Back

When the lit portion of the Moon facing Earth is getting smaller.

Front

What is a full moon?

Back

The phase of the Moon when the entire side facing Earth is lit.

Front

What causes tides?

Back

Tides are caused by the gravitational pull of the Moon and the Sun on Earth's oceans.

Front

What is the difference between waxing and waning?

Back

Waxing refers to the Moon getting larger, while waning refers to the Moon getting smaller.

Front

What is a gibbous moon?

Back

A phase of the Moon when more than half of the Moon is illuminated but it is not yet full.

Front

What is a crescent moon?

Back

A phase of the Moon when less than half of the Moon is illuminated.

Front

How often do spring tides occur?

Back

Spring tides occur approximately every two weeks, during the new and full moon phases.