Tides

Front

What is a spring tide?

Back

A spring tide occurs when the sun, Earth, and moon are nearly in a line, resulting in higher high tides and lower low tides.

Front

What is a neap tide?

Back

A neap tide occurs when the sun and moon are at right angles relative to the Earth, resulting in lower high tides and higher low tides.

Front

What is tidal range?

Back

Tidal range is the difference between the levels of ocean water at high tides and low tides.

Front

How many high tides and low tides occur in a typical day?

Back

In a typical day, there are usually 2 high tides and 2 low tides.

Front

What causes tides?

Back

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

Front

What is the relationship between the moon phases and tides?

Back

There are 2 spring tides and 2 neap tides each month, which correspond to the new moon and full moon phases.

Front

What happens to the ocean on the side of the Earth opposite the moon?

Back

A tidal bulge occurs on the opposite side of the Earth due to the gravitational pull of the moon.

Front

What is the effect of the sun on tides?

Back

The sun also affects tides, but its effect is less than that of the moon; it contributes to spring and neap tides.

Front

What is the average tidal cycle duration?

Back

The average tidal cycle lasts about 24 hours and 50 minutes.

Front

What is a tidal bulge?

Back

A tidal bulge is the rise in sea level caused by the gravitational pull of the moon and sun.