Space Lesson 7: Tides

Which statement best describes a spring tide?

• the periodic rise and fall of the water level in the oceans
• a tide of maximum range that takes place two times a month
• the difference in levels of ocean water at high tide and at low tide
• a rise in ocean water levels that takes place on the side of Earth nearest the moon

The graph below shows tides in Boston Harbor. Which statement best explains the shift in times of high and low tides each day?

• The moon rises and sets later each day.
• The sun rises and sets later each day.
• The moon rises and sets earlier each day.
• The sun rises and sets earlier each day.

Maureen measured the water level of the ocean at high tide and at low tide every day near her home in Florida. The table below shows her results. On which day did a spring tide most likely take place?

• June 3
• June 6
• June 9
• June 11

During which two phases of the moon do spring tides take place?

• new moon, full moon
• new moon, first quarter moon
• third quarter moon, full moon
• first quarter moon, third quarter moon

When Earth, the sun, and the moon align to form a right angle, which type of tide takes place?

• low tide
• high tide
• neap tide
• spring tide

The diagram below shows the alignment of the sun, the moon, and Earth. In which locations are neap tides taking place?

• 1 and 2
• 1 and 3
• 2 and 4
• 3 and 4

What causes tides?

• density differences in ocean water
• heat from the sun, which causes winds
• underwater earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, or landslides
• the gravitational pull of the moon on the water at Earth’s surface