Tides: the Rise and Fall of Ocean Waters

Tides are the rise and fall of ocean water influenced by the gravitational pull of the Moon and the Sun. The Moon, being closer to Earth, has a greater impact on tides. High tides occur when the gravitational pull is strongest, while low tides happen when it is weakest. During full or new moons, spring tides occur due to the combined gravitational forces of the Moon and Sun, resulting in higher high tides and lower low tides. Neap tides, which are weaker, occur during the Moon's quarter phases when the Sun and Moon's gravitational forces partially cancel each other out.

What primarily causes the rise and fall of ocean tides?

• Wind patterns

• Earth's rotation

• Ocean currents

• Gravitational pull of the Moon and the Sun

Why does the Moon have a greater influence on tides than the Sun?

• The Moon is larger than the Sun

• The Moon is closer to the Earth

• The Sun's gravity is weaker

• The Moon's orbit is faster

What is the highest level of tide called?

• Neap tide

• High tide

• Spring tide

• Low tide

When do spring tides occur?

• When the Earth, Moon, and Sun are aligned

• When the Sun is closest to the Earth

• During the Earth's equinox

• During the Moon's quarter phases

What characterizes neap tides?

• They happen when the Sun and Moon are aligned

• They are very weak tides

• They occur during full moons

• They are the strongest tides