Final answer:
Ocean tides are affected by the gravitational pull of the Moon and Sun, with spring tides occurring when these celestial bodies are aligned, and neap tides when they are at right angles. The Earth's rotation under the tidal bulge leads to the regular rising and falling of sea levels.
Step-by-step explanation:
The student's question pertains to the phenomenon of ocean tides, which are caused by the gravitational forces exerted by the Moon and, to a lesser extent, the Sun upon the Earth. High tides occur on the side of the Earth nearest to the Moon and also on the opposite side. This happens because the Earth is pulled toward the Moon more than the water on the far side, creating tidal bulges on both sides of the planet.
When the Earth, Moon, and Sun are aligned, this creates spring tides, which are exceptionally high tides. Conversely, when the Sun and Moon are at right angles to each other, we experience neap tides, which are moderate tides with a lower high tide and higher low tide than usual. The alignment and position of the Earth, Moon, and Sun therefore have a direct impact on the tide's intensity.