Tides

Front

What are tides?

Back

Tides are the regular rise and fall of sea levels caused by the gravitational forces of the moon and the sun.

Front

What causes the strongest tides?

Back

The strongest tides occur during the full moon and new moon phases.

Front

Which celestial body has a greater influence on Earth's tides?

Back

The moon has a greater influence on Earth's tides than the sun.

Front

What are spring tides?

Back

Spring tides are the highest and lowest tides that occur during the full moon and new moon phases.

Front

What are neap tides?

Back

Neap tides are the tides with the smallest range that occur during the first and third quarter moon phases.

Front

How do the phases of the moon affect tides?

Back

The phases of the moon affect tides by causing higher tides during full and new moons and lower tides during first and third quarters.

Front

What is the tidal range?

Back

The tidal range is the difference in height between high tide and low tide.

Front

What is a tidal cycle?

Back

A tidal cycle is the pattern of rising and falling tides that occurs approximately every 12 hours and 25 minutes.

Front

What is the role of the sun in tides?

Back

The sun also affects tides, but its influence is less than that of the moon.

Front

What is a king tide?

Back

A king tide is an especially high tide that occurs when the moon is closest to the Earth.