The tides on Earth are directly related to the moon's gravitational pull and are influenced by the moon's phase. Spring tides occur during new and full moons, while neap tides happen during the first and third quarters of the moon. The sun's gravity also affects tides, albeit to a lesser extent.
The relationship between the tides on Earth and the phase of the moon is governed by the gravitational pull of the moon and the sun on the Earth's oceans.
Understanding this relationship begins with recognizing that the moon's gravity causes the water to form bulges on both the side nearest to the moon and the opposite side.
As Earth rotates, these bulges result in two high tides and two low tides each day.
During different phases of the moon, such as the new moon or full moon, the Earth, moon, and sun align, resulting in spring tides, which are higher than average.
Conversely, during the first and third quarters of the moon, when the sun and moon are at right angles to each other, neap tides occur, which are lower than average tides.
Therefore, the phase of the moon plays a crucial role in the amplitude of the ocean's tides throughout the month