Tides

Front

What causes tides?

Back

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

Front

Why does the moon have a greater effect on tides than the sun?

Back

The moon is closer to the Earth than the sun, which makes its gravitational pull stronger on Earth's waters.

Front

What are spring tides?

Back

Spring tides occur when the sun, moon, and Earth are aligned, resulting in higher high tides and lower low tides.

Front

What are neap tides?

Back

Neap tides occur when the sun and moon are at right angles to each other, resulting in lower high tides and higher low tides.

Front

How many high tides does a typical location experience in a day?

Back

Most locations experience 2 high tides each day.

Front

What is a diurnal tide?

Back

A diurnal tide is a tidal pattern with one high tide and one low tide each day.

Front

What is a semidiurnal tide?

Back

A semidiurnal tide is a tidal pattern with two high tides and two low tides each day.

Front

What is a mixed tide?

Back

A mixed tide is a tidal pattern that has characteristics of both diurnal and semidiurnal tides, resulting in varying heights of high and low tides.

Front

What adaptations do organisms in the intertidal zone need?

Back

Organisms in the intertidal zone must be able to survive in both wet and dry environments.

Front

What is the intertidal zone?

Back

The intertidal zone is the area of the shore that is exposed to the air at low tide and submerged at high tide.