Final answer:
The actual tides we observe are formed by the combined gravitational effects of the Moon and the Sun. Spring tides occur when the two bodies align, causing higher tides, whereas neap tides happen when their gravitational forces are at right angles, leading to lower tides. Various geographical and environmental factors further influence the complexity of actual tides, resulting in localized tide table predictions.
Step-by-step explanation:
Understanding Tides
The tides we observe on Earth are the result of gravitational forces exerted by both the Moon and the Sun. Tidal forces, when combined with Earth's rotation, create tidal bulges of ocean water on opposite sides of our planet. When the Sun and Moon are aligned during a new moon or full moon, their gravitational pulls combine to produce spring tides, which are higher than normal. Conversely, during the first and last quarters of the moon, neap tides occur, which are lower because the gravitational forces of the Sun and Moon are at right angles and partially cancel each other out.
However, the ideal simple model of tides is complicated by real-world factors such as landmasses, ocean floor friction, and variations in ocean depth. Therefore, tide tables have to be computed for each specific location on Earth, taking into account these influences. Consequently, some areas experience minimal tidal changes, while others have significant variations that can even become tourist attractions.