Did you know that the tides, or ebb and flow, are caused by the Moon?

The Moon’s gravitational pull is so strong that it causes the water in the seas and oceans to be pulled up by several meters. This is called high tide, which is part of the tidal cycle. Depending on the Moon’s position, the water on the side of the Earth facing the Moon is pulled upwards. On the opposite side of the Earth, the water is also higher during high tide due to centripetal force. Thus, high tide occurs twice a day. On both sides of the Earth where the Moon is not present, only Earth’s gravity affects the water, which results in lower water levels. This is called low tide.

The Sun also influences the tides, though to a lesser extent. When the Sun, Moon, and Earth align, as during a full moon or new moon, the tidal extremes are strongest, which is referred to as spring tide. When the Sun and Moon are at right angles relative to the Earth, the tides are less pronounced, which is called neap tide.

The photo accompanying this article is from Freepik.com