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 Earth.

Front

What causes tides?

Back

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

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 higher high tides and lower low tides.

Front

What is a neap tide?

Back

A neap tide is a tide that occurs when the Moon is at a right angle to the Earth and Sun, resulting in lower high tides and higher low tides.

Front

When do spring tides occur?

Back

Spring tides occur during the new moon and full moon phases when the Earth, Moon, and Sun are in alignment.

Front

When do neap tides occur?

Back

Neap tides occur during the first and third quarter moon phases when the Moon is at a right angle to the Earth and Sun.

Front

Which body has a greater effect on Earth's tides, the Moon or the Sun?

Back

The Moon has a greater effect on Earth's tides due to its proximity to Earth.

Front

What is the tidal bulge?

Back

The tidal bulge is the area of the ocean where water is drawn up due to the gravitational pull of the Moon.

Front

How many high tides and low tides occur in a typical day?

Back

Typically, there are two high tides and two low tides in a 24-hour period.

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.