Tides

Front

What causes tides on Earth?

Back

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

Front

What is a tidal bulge?

Back

A tidal bulge is the rise in sea level caused by the gravitational pull of the moon and sun, resulting in high tides.

Front

What is a neap tide?

Back

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

Front

How many spring and neap tides occur in a month?

Back

There are typically 2 spring tides and 2 neap tides in a month.

Front

Which celestial body has a greater effect on Earth's tides, the sun or the moon?

Back

The moon has a greater effect on Earth's tides than the sun.

Front

What is the role of the sun in tides?

Back

The sun also affects tides, but its gravitational pull is less than that of the moon, leading to smaller tidal changes.

Front

What is the difference between high tide and low tide?

Back

High tide is the maximum level of the sea, while low tide is the minimum level of the sea.

Front

What is the cycle of tides?

Back

The cycle of tides typically occurs twice a day, with two high tides and two low tides.

Front

What is the term for the highest point of a tide?

Back

The highest point of a tide is called high tide.