Spring and neap tides are two types of tides that occur due to the gravitational pull of the moon and the sun on the Earths oceans. Here are the key differences between spring and neap tides:
Spring Tides
- Occur twice a month, during the full and new moons, when the Earth, sun, and moon are nearly in alignment.
- The gravitational pull of the sun is "added" to the gravitational pull of the moon on Earth, causing the oceans to bulge a bit more than usual.
- High tides are higher than average, and low tides are lower than average.
Neap Tides
- Occur during the first and third quarter moons, when the moon appears at right angles to the sun.
- The bulge of the ocean caused by the sun partially cancels out the bulge of the ocean caused by the moon, producing moderate tides.
- High tides are a little lower than average, and low tides are a little higher than average.
Its important to note that the terms "spring" and "neap" have nothing to do with the seasons, but rather come from the concept of the tide "springing forth".
