Tides

Front

What are tides?

Back

Tides are the regular rise and fall of ocean water caused by the gravitational pull of the moon and the sun.

Front

What causes tides?

Back

Tides are caused primarily by the gravitational pull of the moon and, to a lesser extent, the sun.

Front

What is a spring tide?

Back

A spring tide is a tide that occurs when the Earth, moon, and sun are aligned, resulting in higher high tides and lower low tides.

Front

What is a neap tide?

Back

A neap tide occurs when the moon is at a right angle to the Earth and sun, resulting in lower high tides and higher low tides.

Front

How often do tides occur?

Back

Tides occur approximately every 12.5 hours, resulting in two high tides and two low tides each day.

Front

How many high tides occur in a day?

Back

There are typically two high tides in a day.

Front

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

Back

The moon has a greater effect on tides because it is closer to the Earth than the sun.

Front

What is the difference between high tide and low tide?

Back

High tide is when the water level is at its highest point, while low tide is when the water level is at its lowest point.

Front

What is the role of the sun in tides?

Back

The sun's gravitational pull also affects tides, but its effect is less than that of the moon due to its greater distance from Earth.

Front

What is a tidal cycle?

Back

A tidal cycle refers to the pattern of rising and falling water levels, typically occurring twice a day.