6.9B Tides

Front

What causes tides?

Back

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

Front

Why does the moon have a greater effect on tides than the sun?

Back

The moon is closer to the Earth than the sun, which makes its gravitational pull stronger on the 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 occurs when the moon is at a right angle to the sun relative to the Earth, resulting in lower high tides and higher low tides.

Front

How often do tides occur?

Back

Tides occur approximately every 12.5 hours, resulting in two high tides and two low tides each day.

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

What happens on the opposite side of the Earth when the moon causes a tidal bulge?

Back

Another tidal bulge occurs on the opposite side of the Earth due to the centrifugal force created by the Earth-moon system.

Front

What is the difference between high tide and low tide?

Back

High tide is when the water level is at its highest point, while low tide is when the water level is at its lowest point.

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 due to its greater distance from Earth.

Front

What is the cycle of tides?

Back

The cycle of tides consists of rising and falling ocean water that repeats automatically every 12.5 hours.