Science

Tides.

Definition

The regular rise and fall of ocean water levels caused primarily by the gravitational pull of the Moon and, to a lesser extent, the Sun. Most coastlines experience two high tides and two low tides roughly every 24 hours and 50 minutes.

Examples

Real-world.

  • 1 The Bay of Fundy in Canada has the world's highest tides, with water levels changing over 16 meters
  • 2 Spring tides occur during full and new moons when the Sun and Moon align, producing extra-high tides
  • 3 Tide pools along rocky coastlines are exposed at low tide, revealing sea stars and anemones
Key Fact

Spring tides (highest) occur at new/full moon; neap tides (lowest range) occur at quarter moons.

Studied in

1 unit use this concept.