Question

Spring tides (the highest tides of a monthly cycle) happen every two weeks:

A. during the spring.
B. during the fall.
C. when the sun, moon, and earth are lined up in a row.
D. when the sun, moon, and earth are forming a right angle.

Answer 1

Spring tides occur every two weeks when the Earth, Moon, and Sun are aligned, during new or full moon phases, not just during the spring season. Neap tides happen when the Earth, Moon, and Sun form a right angle, during the first or last quarter moon phases.

correct option is C. when the sun, moon, and earth are lined up in a row.

Step-by-step explanation:

Spring tides, which are the highest tides of a monthly tidal cycle, occur approximately every two weeks when the Earth, the Moon, and the Sun are aligned. This phenomenon happens during the new moon or the full moon phases. The alignment causes the gravitational forces of the Moon and the Sun to combine, leading to higher than normal tides. The misconception that spring tides occur only during the spring season is incorrect; the term "spring" originates from the notion that tides "spring up" higher than usual, regardless of the season.

In contrast, the smallest tides, known as neap tides, occur when the Sun and Moon are positioned at a 90° angle to each other relative to Earth. This configuration typically happens when the Moon is at first quarter or last quarter, and the tidal forces exerted by the Sun partially offset those of the Moon, resulting in lower tides.