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 are spring tides and when do they occur?

Explain the concept of neap tides.