Tides

Front

What is a neap tide?

Back

A neap tide is a type of tide that occurs when the gravitational forces of the moon and sun are perpendicular to each other, resulting in the lowest tidal range.

Front

What is a spring tide?

Back

A spring tide is a type of tide that occurs when the gravitational forces of the moon and sun are aligned, resulting in the highest tidal range.

Front

How often do spring tides occur?

Back

Spring tides occur twice a month, during the full moon and new moon phases.

Front

What causes tides?

Back

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

Front

What is the difference between neap tides and spring tides?

Back

Neap tides have a smaller tidal range and occur when the moon is in its first or third quarter, while spring tides have a larger tidal range and occur during the full and new moon.

Front

What role does the moon play in tides?

Back

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

Front

What role does the sun play 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, contributing to the overall tidal patterns.

Front

What is the tidal range?

Back

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

Front

What is the significance of the lunar phases in relation to tides?

Back

Lunar phases affect the alignment of the Earth, moon, and sun, influencing the occurrence of spring and neap tides.

Front

What happens during a full moon in terms of tides?

Back

During a full moon, spring tides occur, resulting in higher high tides and lower low tides.