Question

Describe a spring tide and the alignment of the Sun, Moon, and Earth during a spring tide. Describe a neap tide and the alignment of the Sun, Moon, and Earth during a neap tide.
in 3 sentences

Answer 1

A spring tide occurs when the Sun, Moon, and Earth are aligned in a straight line during full moons and new moons, resulting in the highest high tides and lowest low tides due to the combined gravitational forces of the Sun and Moon. In contrast, a neap tide occurs when the Sun and Moon are at right angles to each other relative to the Earth, during the first and third quarters of the moon, leading to lower high tides and higher low tides. This alignment causes the gravitational pull of the Sun to partly counteract that of the Moon, resulting in less variation in tidal range.

Answer 2

shorter

Answer 3

A spring tide occurs when the Sun, Moon, and Earth are aligned during full and new moons, leading to higher high tides and lower low tides. A neap tide happens when the Sun and Moon are at right angles during the first and third quarters, resulting in lower high tides and higher low tides. This alignment diminishes the tidal range due to the opposing gravitational pulls.