Unit 6: Earth's Cycles

Front

What are the four lunar phases?

Back

The four lunar phases are new moon, first quarter, full moon, and last quarter.

Front

What causes tides on Earth?

Back

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

Front

What is a spring tide?

Back

A spring tide is a tide that occurs during the full moon and new moon phases, resulting in the highest high tides and the lowest low tides.

Front

What is a neap tide?

Back

A neap tide occurs during the first and last quarter phases of the moon, resulting in the lowest high tides and the highest low tides.

Front

During which lunar phases are tides the highest?

Back

Tides are highest during the new moon and full moon phases.

Front

What is the waxing gibbous phase?

Back

The waxing gibbous phase is when more than half of the Moon is illuminated and is increasing towards a full moon.

Front

What is the waning crescent phase?

Back

The waning crescent phase is when less than half of the Moon is illuminated and is decreasing towards a new moon.

Front

How often does a full moon occur?

Back

A full moon occurs approximately once every 29.5 days.

Front

What is the first quarter phase?

Back

The first quarter phase is when half of the Moon is illuminated and is increasing towards a full moon.

Front

What is the last quarter phase?

Back

The last quarter phase is when half of the Moon is illuminated and is decreasing towards a new moon.