Ocean Tides

Front

What is a Neap Tide?

Back

A Neap Tide is a small tide that occurs when the sun and moon are at right angles to each other, resulting in the least difference between high and low tides.

Front

What is a Spring Tide?

Back

A Spring Tide is a large tide that occurs when the Earth, moon, and sun are aligned, resulting in the greatest difference between high and low tides.

Front

What happens during low tide?

Back

During low tide, the water level is at its lowest point, exposing more of the shore and sea floor.

Front

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

Back

The moon has a greater effect on Earth's tides because it is much closer to Earth than the sun, despite the sun's larger size.

Front

What is the primary cause of ocean tides?

Back

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

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 ocean tides?

Back

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

Front

What is a tidal range?

Back

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

Front

What are the two types of tides?

Back

The two types of tides are neap tides and spring tides.

Front

How often do tides occur?

Back

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