Neap tide
from class:
College Physics II – Mechanics, Sound, Oscillations, and Waves
Definition
A neap tide is a type of tide that occurs when the difference between high and low tide is least. This happens twice a month when the Sun and Moon are at right angles to each other.
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5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test
- Neap tides occur during the first and third quarters of the Moon's phases.
- The gravitational forces of the Sun and Moon partially cancel each other out during a neap tide, resulting in lower high tides and higher low tides than average.
- Neap tides are less extreme compared to spring tides, where the tidal range is at its maximum.
- The term 'neap' comes from an Old English word meaning 'without power' because these tides are weaker than normal.
- Understanding neap tides is crucial for predicting tidal patterns, which affect coastal navigation and marine activities.
Review Questions
- What phase of the Moon corresponds with neap tides?
- How do the gravitational forces of the Sun and Moon interact during a neap tide?
- Why are neap tides less extreme than spring tides?
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