Tide Prediction Quiz

The graph shows tide times for 2 days (48 hours) on the coast of Lisbon, Portugal. Based on the information given, predict the time the next low tide will occur.

• 11:36 pm

• 11:36 am

• 5:58 pm

• 5:58 am

Answer explanation

The graph indicates a low tide at 11:36 pm on the first day and a pattern suggesting the next low tide occurs 12 hours later, which is 11:36 am the following day.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

The graph shows tidal ranges in meters during different days of the month. Neap tides generally occur twice a month. Using the data given in the Daily Tide Measurements graph, on which 2 dates did the neap tides occur for the month shown?

• On the 1st and 30th

• On the 13th and 28th

• On the 6th and 21st

• There are no neap tides shown in this graph.

Answer explanation

Neap tides are characterized by smaller tidal ranges, typically occurring when the moon is in the first or third quarter. The graph indicates that the tidal ranges were lowest on the 6th and 21st, confirming these as the neap tide dates.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

Look at models A, B, C, and D of the sun, moon, and Earth. Which statement references the correct model and accurately explains how neap tides occur?

• Model A accurately shows neap tides because the gravitational forces of the moon and sun pull in the same direction.

• Model B accurately shows neap tides because the gravitational forces of the moon and sun pull at a right angle to each other.

• Model C accurately shows neap tides because the gravitational forces of the moon and sun pull in the same direction.

• Model D accurately shows neap tides because the gravitational forces of the moon and sun pull at a right angle to each other.

Answer explanation

Model B is correct because neap tides occur when the gravitational forces of the moon and sun are at a right angle to each other, leading to lower tidal ranges.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

The diagram shows the relative positions of the sun, moon, and Earth during one revolution of the moon around the Earth. Choose the positions of the moon that will result in spring tides. Select all that apply.

• First quarter

• New moon

• Third quarter

• Full moon

Answer explanation

Spring tides occur when the sun, moon, and Earth are aligned, which happens during the new moon and full moon phases. Therefore, the correct positions for spring tides are the new moon and full moon.

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

NGSS.MS-ESS1-2

Every day at the beach, water levels rise during high tide and fall during low tide. During spring tides, the water rises much higher during high tide and falls much lower during low tide. Explain why spring tides occur and what causes a high tide that is so much higher and a low tide that is so much lower than normal.

Answer explanation

Spring tides occur when the Earth, moon, and sun align, causing stronger gravitational forces. This results in higher high tides and lower low tides, as the combined pull of the sun and moon amplifies the tidal range.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

Every day at the beach, water levels rise during high tide and fall during low tide. Describe the cause of daily low tides and explain why most places on Earth have two low tides every 24 hours.

Answer explanation

Daily low tides occur due to the gravitational pull of the moon and sun, causing water to bulge. Most places experience two low tides every 24 hours because the Earth rotates through these tidal bulges, creating a cycle of rising and falling water levels.