The alignment of the Sun-Moon-Earth changes throughout the month. Different alignments of the Sun, Moon, and Earth influence the pull of gravity on Earth and its ocean tides.
Neap Tides
Neap tides occur when the Sun and the Moon are at right angles to each other during (First and Last Quarter Moon Phases). When the Sun and Moon are pulling on Earth in two different directions it causes lower high tides and higher low tides to be experienced on Earth.
- Neap tides create the smallest tidal difference in water levels between the high tide and low tides.
When the Sun and Moon are at right angles to each other and their tidal influences partially cancel each other out, neap tides occur, and the tidal difference between high and low tide is the smallest. The term "neap" means without the power.
Because the oceans take a bit of time to catch up to the Moon, spring and neap tides usually occur about a day after the respective lunar phase.
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Neap Tides vs. Spring Tides
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Topic Tips
- When the Sun and the Moon are at right angles to each other (first and last quarter), lower high tides and higher low tides are experienced. These tides are called neap tides.