Tides

Front

What causes tides?

Back

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

Front

What is a high tide?

Back

A high tide is when the sea is pulled TOWARD the moon where Earth is CLOSEST to the moon.

Front

What is a low tide?

Back

A low tide is when the sea is pulled AWAY from the moon where Earth is FARTHEST from the moon.

Front

What is the difference between spring tide and neap tide?

Back

Spring tide occurs when the sun, moon, and Earth are aligned, resulting in higher high tides and lower low tides. Neap tide occurs when the sun and moon are at right angles to each other, resulting in lower high tides and higher low tides.

Front

What is the role of the moon in tides?

Back

The moon's gravitational pull creates a bulge of water on the side of the Earth closest to it, causing high tide.

Front

What is the role of the sun in tides?

Back

The sun also exerts a gravitational pull on the Earth's oceans, but its effect is less than that of the moon.

Front

How often do tides occur?

Back

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

Front

What is rotation in relation to tides?

Back

Rotation refers to the Earth spinning on its axis, which affects the timing of tides.

Front

What is the difference between tidal range and tidal cycle?

Back

Tidal range is the difference in height between high tide and low tide, while tidal cycle refers to the pattern of tides over a period of time.

Front

What is a tidal bulge?

Back

A tidal bulge is the increase in water level on the side of the Earth facing the moon, creating high tide.