Understanding Tides: Neap and Spring Tides

Neap Tides

Tides that occur during the quarter moons.

Spring Tides

Tides that occur when the Moon, the Sun, and Earth are in a straight line.

Gravity

The force that causes the tides.

Spring Tide

A tide that occurs during the New Moon phase.

Tide

The periodic rise and fall of the level of water in the ocean.

Gravitational Force

The force that causes tides.

Neap Tide

A tide that occurs during the quarter moons.

High Tides

Positions D and B are experiencing high tides.

Low Tides

Positions A and C are experiencing low tides.

Neap Tides Frequency

Neap tides occur twice per month on the first and third quarter moon.

True Statement

The gravitational force between the Sun, Earth, and Moon are the strongest when they are aligned, causing the strongest high tides.