Earth, Moon, and Ocean Tides: Key Concepts and Cycles

How long does it take the Earth to rotate on its axis once?

24 hours.

How long does it take for the Moon to orbit the Earth once?

Approximately 27.3 days.

How long does it take the Earth to orbit the Sun once?

Approximately 365.25 days.

What are ocean tides?

The rise and fall of sea levels caused by the gravitational forces of the Moon and the Sun.

What causes ocean tides?

The gravitational force of the Moon primarily, along with the Sun's gravitational influence.

What are seasons?

Seasonal changes in climate and daylight that occur due to the tilt of the Earth's axis as it orbits the Sun.

What causes seasons?

The tilt of the Earth's axis and its orbit around the Sun.

Are seasons the same in all parts of the Earth?

No, seasons vary in different parts of the Earth due to the axial tilt and position relative to the Sun.

What is a spring tide?

A tide that occurs when the Sun and Moon are aligned, resulting in the most extreme tidal conditions.

What is a neap tide?

A tide that occurs when the Sun and Moon are at a 90-degree angle, resulting in less extreme tidal conditions.

What is a diurnal tide cycle?

A tidal cycle where an area experiences one high tide and one low tide every lunar day.

What is a semidiurnal tide cycle?

A tidal cycle where an area experiences two high tides and two low tides of approximately equal size every lunar day.

What is a mixed semidiurnal tide cycle?

A tidal cycle where an area experiences two high tides and two low tides of different sizes every lunar day.

How does the Earth's rotation affect ocean tides?

As the Earth rotates, different areas face the Moon, causing high tides on the sides facing the Moon and the opposite side.

What happens to tides when the Sun and Moon are aligned?

Tides are at their most extreme, known as spring tides.

What happens to tides when the Sun and Moon are at a 90-degree angle?

Tides are less extreme, known as neap tides.

Which areas experience diurnal tidal cycles?

Many areas in the Gulf of Mexico.

Which areas experience semidiurnal tidal cycles?

Many areas on the eastern coast of North America.

Which areas experience mixed semidiurnal tidal cycles?

Many areas on the western coast of North America.