Spring tide

Definition

A spring tide occurs when the gravitational forces of the Moon and the Sun align, either during a new moon or a full moon, causing higher than normal high tides and lower than normal low tides. This alignment results in the most significant tidal ranges.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Spring tides happen twice a month, during full moons and new moons.
2. The gravitational forces of both the Moon and Sun contribute to the extreme tidal ranges seen during spring tides.
3. Spring tides result in both higher high tides and lower low tides compared to neap tides.
4. The term 'spring' in spring tide does not relate to the season but stems from the concept of 'springing forth.'
5. The alignment causing spring tides is due to syzygy, where three celestial bodies (Earth, Moon, and Sun) are in a straight line.

Review Questions

• What causes a spring tide?
• How often do spring tides occur within a lunar month?
• Why are tidal ranges more extreme during spring tides compared to neap tides?

Related terms

Neap Tide: A neap tide occurs when the gravitational forces of the Moon and Sun are perpendicular to each other, resulting in less extreme tidal ranges.

Syzygy: An astronomical alignment of three celestial bodies (e.g., Earth, Moon, Sun), which occurs during both new moons and full moons.

$$F = G \frac{m_1 m_2}{r^2}$$: $$F = G \frac{m_1 m_2}{r^2}$$ is Newton's Law of Universal Gravitation that describes how every mass exerts an attractive force on every other mass.