Understanding the Tides

Front

What is a spring tide?

Back

A spring tide is a tide that occurs when the sun and moon are aligned, resulting in the highest high tides and the lowest 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 to each other, resulting in the lowest high tides and the highest low tides.

Front

How do the positions of the sun and moon affect tides?

Back

The gravitational pull of the sun and moon affects the tides; when they are aligned, tides are higher (spring tide), and when they are at right angles, tides are lower (neap tide).

Front

What is the gravitational influence of the moon compared to the sun?

Back

Though the moon has less mass than the sun, it has a greater influence on tides because it is closer to the Earth.

Front

What happens to tides when the moon is in the first or third quarter?

Back

During the first and third quarters, the moon is at right angles to the sun, resulting in neap tides.

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, with the difference between them known as the tidal range.

Front

What is tidal range?

Back

Tidal range is the vertical difference between the high tide and low tide.

Front

When do spring tides occur?

Back

Spring tides occur during the full moon and new moon phases when the sun, moon, and Earth are aligned.

Front

When do neap tides occur?

Back

Neap tides occur during the first and third quarters of the moon when the sun and moon are at right angles.

Front

What is the effect of the Earth's rotation on tides?

Back

The Earth's rotation causes the tidal bulges to move, resulting in the rise and fall of sea levels known as tides.