Tides and planetary orbits are caused by the pull of gravity.
Ocean Tides
Tides are the rise and fall of the surface levels of Earth’s ocean water caused by the gravitational effects of the Sun, and Moon on Earth.
Both the Sun and Moon Cause Earth's Tides!
Most people already know that the tides are caused by the Moon. But, what most people don't know is that the tides on Earth are actually caused by the gravitational pull of BOTH the Sun and the Moon! What's even more interesting is the alignments of the Sun, Moon, and Earth change over the course of a month as the Moon orbits Earth. The different alignments of the Sun, Earth and Moon throughout the month will dramatically affect the tides experienced on Earth and those tides are extremely predictable.
Tidal Bulges |
Why Do Tides Also Form on the Opposite side of Earth from the Moon?
On the opposite side of the Earth, or the “far side,” the gravitational attraction of the Moon is less because it is farther away. Here, inertia is greater than the gravitational force, and the water tries to keep going in a straight line, moving away from the Earth, also forming a bulge.
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The gravitational attraction between the Earth and the Moon is strongest on the side of the Earth that is facing the Moon, simply because it is closer. This attraction causes the water on this “near side” of Earth to be pulled toward the Moon.
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Earth Always Experiences
2 High Tides and 2 Low Tides Each Day!
High Tides and Low TidesBecause the Earth rotates through two tidal “bulges” every day, coastal areas experience two high and two low tides every 24 hours and 50 minutes. High tides occur 12 hours and 25 minutes apart. This occurs because the Moon revolves around the Earth in the same direction that the Earth is rotating on its axis.
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Check out the high and low tides over 24 hours in this short time lapse video
Video Guide:
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Topic Tips
- Tides are the rise and fall of the surface levels of Earth’s ocean water caused by the gravitational effects of the Sun, and Moon on Earth.