Final answer:
Ocean tides are mainly caused by the gravitational pull of the Moon, with additional effects from the Sun, and are modulated by Earth's rotation and local geographical features. Spring and neap tides are influenced by the alignment of the Sun and Moon, while local complexities necessitate the use of location-specific tide tables.
Step-by-step explanation:
The twice-daily ocean tides are primarily the result of the Moon's differential force on the material of Earth's crust and ocean. These tidal forces cause ocean water to flow into two tidal bulges on opposite sides of Earth. As Earth rotates, it passes through these bulges, leading to the rise and fall of ocean water we observe as tides. In addition to the Moon's pull, the Sun also affects tides, though its impact is less significant due to its greater distance from Earth. The interaction between the Moon and the Sun can lead to spring tides, when their gravitational forces combine to produce higher tides, and neap tides, which occur when the Sun and Moon are at right angles to each other, causing lower-than-usual tides.
However, the coastline geometry and the ocean basins' shape significantly influence the actual tides experienced at a particular location. Additional complexities include land masses that block water flow, oceanic and bottom friction, Earth's rotation, wind effects, and the variable depth of the ocean. This means that tides can vary greatly between different locations, necessitating the creation of local tide tables for accurate predictions.
In essence, while the basic causes of tides are the gravitational pull of the Moon and, to a lesser extent, the Sun, the local and global geography and dynamics of Earth play a crucial role in the exact nature and timing of tides experienced at any given place on the planet.