Seasons & Tides

Front

What causes the seasons on Earth?

Back

The tilt of Earth's axis and its orbit around the Sun cause the seasons.

Front

What is the angle of tilt of Earth's axis?

Back

Earth's axis is tilted at an angle of approximately 23.5 degrees.

Front

What are tides?

Back

Tides are the rise and fall of sea levels caused by the gravitational forces exerted by the Moon and the Sun.

Front

How many high tides and low tides occur in a typical day?

Back

Typically, there are two high tides and two low tides in a 24-hour period.

Front

What is the primary force that affects ocean tides?

Back

Gravity is the primary force that affects ocean tides.

Front

What is the difference between spring tides and neap tides?

Back

Spring tides occur when the Sun, Moon, and Earth are aligned, resulting in higher high tides and lower low tides. Neap tides occur when the Sun and Moon are at right angles relative to Earth, resulting in lower high tides and higher low tides.

Front

What position of the Moon results in the highest tides?

Back

The positions of the Moon during full moon and new moon phases result in the highest tides.

Front

What is the significance of the Moon's gravitational pull on Earth?

Back

The Moon's gravitational pull is significant because it causes the ocean tides and affects the Earth's rotation.

Front

What would happen to the seasons if Earth's axial tilt were different?

Back

If Earth's axial tilt were different, the intensity and duration of seasons would change, leading to potentially extreme seasonal variations.

Front

What is the role of the Sun in the Earth's seasons?

Back

The Sun provides the necessary heat and light that, combined with Earth's axial tilt, creates the different seasons.