Ocean Tides

Front

What causes ocean tides?

Back

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

Front

What are spring tides?

Back

Spring tides are the highest high tides and the lowest low tides that occur when the Earth, moon, and sun are aligned.

Front

What are neap tides?

Back

Neap tides are the lowest high tides and the highest low tides that occur when the moon is at a right angle to the sun relative to Earth.

Front

How often do spring and neap tides occur?

Back

Spring and neap tides occur approximately every two weeks, with spring tides occurring during full and new moons, and neap tides occurring during the first and third quarters of the moon.

Front

What is a tidal bulge?

Back

A tidal bulge is the rise in sea level on the side of Earth facing the moon and the opposite side due to gravitational forces.

Front

What is the relationship between the moon's phases and tides?

Back

The phases of the moon influence the size of the tides; spring tides occur during full and new moons, while neap tides occur during the first and third quarters.

Front

What happens to tides during a full moon?

Back

During a full moon, spring tides occur, resulting in higher high tides and lower low tides.

Front

What happens to tides during a new moon?

Back

During a new moon, spring tides also occur, leading to the same effect as during a full moon.

Front

What is the effect of the sun on tides?

Back

The sun also affects tides, but its influence is less than that of the moon; it contributes to the variation in tide heights.

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.