Question

Explain in detail what causes tides and give one reason why it is important for humans to monitor tides. Explain the difference between NEAP tide and SPRING tide. (4 points) In 4 sentences

Answer 1

Tides are caused primarily by the gravitational pull of the Moon and, to a lesser extent, the Sun on Earth's oceans. As the Earth rotates, different areas of the planet experience varying gravitational forces, which result in the periodic rise and fall of sea levels known as high and low tides. Monitoring tides is crucial for humans, particularly for navigation and coastal management, as it helps prevent flooding and informs activities like fishing and boating. The difference between neap tides and spring tides lies in their occurrence: neap tides happen during the first and third quarters of the Moon when the gravitational forces of the Moon and Sun are at right angles, resulting in lower tidal ranges, whereas spring tides occur during the new and full moons when these forces align, causing higher high tides and lower low tides.