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 3 sentences
Answers
GPT-4o mini
Tides are primarily caused by the gravitational pull exerted by the Moon and the Sun on Earth's oceans. As the Earth rotates, different parts of the planet move into and out of this gravitational influence, resulting in regular rises and falls of sea levels known as tides. Monitoring tides is crucial for humans, particularly for navigation, as accurately predicting tidal patterns can prevent accidents and ensure safe passage for vessels.
Neap tides occur when the Sun and Moon are at right angles to each other during the first and third quarters of the lunar phase, resulting in the least difference between high and low tides. In contrast, spring tides happen during the new and full moons when the Sun, Moon, and Earth are aligned, leading to the highest high tides and the lowest low tides. Understanding these tidal variations is essential for coastal management, fishing industries, and environmental monitoring.
Neap tides occur when the Sun and Moon are at right angles to each other during the first and third quarters of the lunar phase, resulting in the least difference between high and low tides. In contrast, spring tides happen during the new and full moons when the Sun, Moon, and Earth are aligned, leading to the highest high tides and the lowest low tides. Understanding these tidal variations is essential for coastal management, fishing industries, and environmental monitoring.