Tides

Front

What is a spring tide?

Back

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

Front

What causes spring tides?

Back

Spring tides are caused by the gravitational pull of the moon and the sun when they are in alignment during full moons and new moons.

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 the Earth, resulting in lower high tides and higher 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 average time between high and low tides?

Back

The average time between high and low tides is about 6 hours.

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.

Front

What is a tidal bulge?

Back

A tidal bulge is the rise in sea level caused by the gravitational pull of the moon and sun.

Front

True or False: There are two tidal bulges on Earth at the same time.

Back

True. One bulge is on the side facing the moon, and the other is on the opposite side.

Front

What is the role of the sun in tides?

Back

The sun also affects tides, but its effect is less than that of the moon. It contributes to spring and neap tides.

Front

What happens during a full moon?

Back

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