8.7C Ocean Tides

Front

What are ocean tides?

Back

Ocean 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 larger differences in ocean tides?

Back

Larger differences in ocean tides occur when the sun, Earth, and moon are aligned, resulting in spring tides.

Front

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

Back

The moon has a greater effect on tides than the sun because it is closer to Earth, despite the sun's larger mass.

Front

What is a spring tide?

Back

A spring tide is a tide with the greatest difference between high and low water, occurring during the full and new moon phases.

Front

What is a neap tide?

Back

A neap tide is a tide with the least difference between high and low water, occurring during the first and third quarter moon phases.

Front

When do spring tides occur?

Back

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

Front

When do neap tides occur?

Back

Neap tides occur approximately every two weeks, during the first quarter and third quarter moon phases.

Front

What is the best time to build sand castles at the beach?

Back

The best time to build sand castles is during neap tide at low tide, when the water is farthest away.

Front

How often do tides occur?

Back

Tides typically occur twice a day, with two high tides and two low tides.

Front

What is the relationship between the moon phases and tide heights?

Back

The moon phases affect tide heights; spring tides occur during full and new moons, while neap tides occur during first and third quarter moons.