What are Tides?
Tides are the rise and fall of ocean water levels, usually occurring twice a day. The transition from low to high is called "flood tide," and from high to low is "ebb tide."
What Causes Tides?
The gravitational pull of the Moon and Sun on Earth's oceans causes tides. The Moon's pull is stronger due to its closeness to Earth, despite the Sun being much larger.
Why are there Two Bulges in the Ocean?
Gravitational forces create a water bulge facing the Moon and another on the opposite side of Earth. This happens because gravity pulls differently on various parts of Earth, causing it to stretch slightly.
What are Spring and Neap Tides?
When the Earth, Moon, and Sun are aligned, their gravitational pulls combine, creating higher 'spring' tides. When they form a right angle, their pulls partially cancel out, resulting in lower 'neap' tides.
How do Orbital Changes Affect Tides?
The elliptical orbits of the Earth and Moon cause variations in tidal heights. Tides are higher when the Moon is closest to Earth (perigee) and lower when farthest (apogee).
6. Are Tides the Same Everywhere?
No, the shape of coastlines, sea floor, and other local factors cause variations. Some places have one tide a day (diurnal), others have two uneven tides (mixed), and some have two even tides (semi-diurnal).
How does Earth's Own Gravity Affect Tides?
Earth's gravity pulls its mass together, preventing it from being pulled apart by the Moon's and Sun's gravitational forces.
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