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.
Spring Tides
Spring tides occur when the Sun and the Moon are aligned so that the Moon is between the Sun and the Earth (New Moon Phase) or the Earth is between the Sun and the Moon (Full Moon Phase). When this alignment occurs high tides are even higher and the low tides are much lower.
- Spring tides create the greatest tidal difference in water levels between high tide and low tides.
When the gravitational effects of the Sun and the Moon combine, we get spring tides, which have nothing to do with the spring season. The term "spring" refers to the action of the seas springing out and then springing back.
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Topic Tips
- When the Sun and the Moon are aligned so that the Moon is between the Sun and the Earth (New Moon) or the Earth is between the Sun and the Moon (Full Moon) high tides are higher and the low tides are lower. These are called spring tides.