Question

Explain the difference between Spring and Neap tides and the horizontal flow of water that accompanies the rise and fall of tides

A) Spring tides occur in spring, Neap tides occur in neap
B) Spring tides have higher high tides and lower low tides, Neap tides have lower high tides and higher low tides
C) Spring tides are caused by earthquakes, Neap tides are caused by volcanic eruptions
D) Spring tides occur during the day, Neap tides occur at night

Answer 1

Spring tides occur when the Earth, Moon, and Sun are aligned, creating higher high tides and lower low tides, while neap tides happen when the Sun and Moon form a right angle with the Earth, leading to lower high tides and higher low tides. The horizontal flow of water due to tides is influenced by geographical and celestial factors.

Step-by-step explanation:

Spring tides occur when the Moon and Sun are aligned with Earth, which causes their gravitational pulls to combine and create higher high tides and lower low tides. Conversely, neap tides happen when the Sun is at a 90° angle to the Earth-Moon alignment, resulting in lower high tides and higher low tides. The horizontal flow of water created by the rise and fall of these tides is further complicated by factors such as the presence of land, the ocean's depth, and Earth's rotation.

Additionally, the magnitude of these tides is influenced by the elliptical orbits of the Earth and the Moon—tides are larger when these bodies are closer together, and smaller when they are farther apart. The correct answer to the question posed is option B) Spring tides have higher high tides and lower low tides, Neap tides have lower high tides and higher low tides.