Tides

Front

What causes tides on Earth?

Back

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

Front

What is a high tide?

Back

A high tide is the point at which the water level reaches its highest point due to the gravitational pull of the Moon.

Front

What is a low tide?

Back

A low tide is the point at which the water level reaches its lowest point, occurring between two high tides.

Front

How many high and low tides do most coastlines experience in a day?

Back

Most coastlines experience two high tides and two low tides each day.

Front

What is the role of the Earth's rotation in tides?

Back

The Earth's rotation causes different regions to move into and out of the tidal bulges created by the Moon's gravitational pull.

Front

What is a tidal bulge?

Back

A tidal bulge is the increase in water level caused by the gravitational pull of the Moon, resulting in high tide.

Front

How does the Sun affect tides?

Back

The Sun's gravitational pull also affects tides, but its influence is less than that of the Moon. When the Sun, Moon, and Earth align, we experience spring tides, which are higher than normal.

Front

What are spring tides?

Back

Spring tides are the highest and lowest tides that occur when the Sun, Moon, and Earth are aligned.

Front

What are neap tides?

Back

Neap tides are the lower high tides and higher low tides that occur when the Sun and Moon are at right angles relative to the Earth.

Front

What is the difference between diurnal and semi-diurnal tides?

Back

Diurnal tides have one high tide and one low tide each day, while semi-diurnal tides have two high tides and two low tides each day.