Ocean Tides

Front

What is a tide?

Back

A tide is the regular rise and fall of sea levels caused by the gravitational forces exerted by the moon and the sun on the Earth.

Front

What causes tides?

Back

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

Front

What is a neap tide?

Back

A neap tide is a type of tide that occurs when the sun and moon are at right angles to each other, resulting in the smallest difference between high and low tides.

Front

What is a spring tide?

Back

A spring tide is a type of tide that occurs when the sun, moon, and Earth are aligned, resulting in the largest difference between high and low tides.

Front

What is the difference between neap tide and spring tide?

Back

Neap tides have the smallest tidal range and occur when the sun and moon are at right angles, while spring tides have the largest tidal range and occur when the sun, moon, and Earth are aligned.

Front

What is the role of the moon in tides?

Back

The moon's gravitational pull is the primary force that causes tides, creating bulges in the Earth's oceans.

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. It contributes to the variation in tidal ranges.

Front

How often do tides occur?

Back

Tides typically occur twice a day, with two high tides and two low tides in a 24-hour period.

Front

What is a tidal cycle?

Back

A tidal cycle refers to the pattern of rising and falling sea levels, which is influenced by the positions of the moon and sun.

Front

What is the tidal range?

Back

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