Tides are great bulges of water caused by the gravity of the moon and the sun. Attracted by gravity, these bulges move around the earth’s ocean, causing water level to rise and fall.
There are two main tides that are higher or lower than average. They occur twice monthly and are called neap and spring tides.
Neap tides
When there is a low tide, the Moon faces the Earth at a right angle to the Sun so the gravitational force of the Moon and Sun work against each other. These tides are referred to as neap tides; a low tide or one that is lower than average. A neap tide happens between two spring tides and occurs twice a month when the first and last quarter Moon appears.
Spring tides
When there is a high tide, the Sun, Moon and Earth are in alignment and the gravitational force is strong. These tides are known as spring tides and occur twice a month. In this case the Moon can appear in between the Earth and Sun resulting in a solar eclipse, or at the furthest point away from the Sun resulting in a full Moon. When in alignment, the Moon and Sun combine in gravitational forces to bring the highest and lowest tides of the month.
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