Tides: Spring and Neap Tides
Tides: Spring and Neap Tides
Introduction to Tides
Tides are the rise and fall of sea levels caused by the combined effects of the gravitational forces exerted by the Moon and the Sun, and the rotation of the Earth.
The Moon's gravitational pull is the primary driver of tides.
The pull is strongest on the side of the Earth closest to the Moon and weakest on the side farthest from the Moon.
The Earth itself is also pulled towards the Moon, but to a lesser extent than the near-side ocean.
These differences in gravitational pull create bulges in the oceans on opposite sides of the Earth.
As the Earth rotates, different parts of the planet pass through these bulges, resulting in two high tides and two low tides approximately every twenty-four hours.
The Sun's Influence on Tides
The Sun's Influence on Tides
The Sun also exerts a gravitational pull on the Earth and its oceans, contributing to tidal forces.
Although the Sun is much more massive than the Moon, it is significantly farther away.
The Sun's tidal effect is approximately half that of the Moon's.