Tides

Front

What are tides?

Back

Tides are the rise and fall of sea levels caused by the gravitational forces exerted by the Moon and the Sun on Earth.

Front

How many high and low tides do most places on Earth experience in 24 hours?

Back

Most places experience 2 high tides and 2 low tides in 24 hours.

Front

What is a neap tide?

Back

A neap tide occurs when the Sun and Moon are at right angles to each other, resulting in the least difference between high and low tides.

Front

What is a spring tide?

Back

A spring tide occurs when the Earth, Moon, and Sun are aligned, resulting in the greatest difference between high and low tides.

Front

What causes tides?

Back

Tides are primarily caused by the gravitational pull of the Moon and the Sun on Earth's oceans.

Front

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

Back

The Moon has a greater influence because it is closer to the Earth, despite being smaller than the Sun.

Front

What happens to the tide if you visit the beach at low tide and return 6 hours later?

Back

You will see high tide after 6 hours.

Front

What is the difference between high tide and low tide?

Back

High tide is when the water level is at its highest point, while low tide is when the water level is at its lowest point.

Front

What is the role of the Sun in tidal movements?

Back

The Sun's gravitational pull also affects tides, but its influence is less than that of the Moon due to its greater distance from Earth.

Front

What is the tidal cycle?

Back

The tidal cycle refers to the regular rise and fall of sea levels, typically occurring every 12 hours and 25 minutes.