Tides: Explanation and Study Guide

What are Tides?

Tides are the rise and fall of the levels of the ocean water. They are caused by the gravitational pull of the moon and the sun on the Earth, as well as the rotation of the Earth itself.

Types of Tides

There are two main types of tides: high tides and low tides. High tides occur when the water level rises to its highest point, while low tides occur when the water level drops to its lowest point.

Causes of Tides

The gravitational pull of the moon and the sun causes the water on the side of the Earth facing the moon or sun to be pulled towards them, creating a bulge in the water level. This results in high tide. On the opposite side of the Earth, the water is also pulled away from the Earth, creating another bulge and causing a high tide. The areas in between experience low tide.

Factors Affecting Tides

Several factors can affect the intensity and timing of tides, including the position of the moon and the sun, the shape of the coastline, and the depth of the ocean.

Study Guide

1. What causes tides?
2. What are the two main types of tides?
3. How do the gravitational pulls of the moon and sun affect the water levels on Earth?
4. What factors can affect the intensity and timing of tides?
5. Why do some coastal areas experience larger tides than others?