tides Flashcards
what source of energy is responsible for tides?
gravity
when do tides occur?
when the gravitational pull of the sun or moon changes the water levels of the seas and oceans
what is the tidal range?
difference in height between the tides
explain spring tides
The highest high tide and the lowest low tides occur when the sun and the moon are in alignment. Both of their gravitational forces combine to effectively pull the oceans towards them to cause the highest high tides. On the other side of the planet, this creates the lowest possible low tides. This is a spring tide and it creates the largest possible tidal range.
explain neap tides
The lowest high tide and the highest low tides occur when the sun and the moon are perpendicular to each other. Both of their gravitational forces act against each other, so the
overall pull is minimised at high tide, but therefore creates a higher low tide. This is a neap tide
and it creates the smallest possible tidal range.
what type of tide has the highest high tide and lowest low tide?
spring
what type of tide has the lowest high tide and highest low tide?
neap
sun and moon are in alignment
spring
sun and moon are perpendicular
neap
gravitational forces combine pulling the oceans towards them
spring
gravitational forces combine pulling the oceans to act against them
neap
largest possible tidal range
spring
smallest possible tidal range
neap
what do tides affect and what can this lead to?
erosion
formation of different coastal landforms
