Tides

Tides refer to the rise and fall of sea levels caused by the gravitational forces exerted by the Moon and the Sun on Earth's oceans. The gravitational pull of these celestial bodies creates a bulging effect on the water, leading to periodic changes in sea level.

The primary contributor to tides is the Moon, due to its closer proximity to Earth compared to the Sun. As the Moon orbits the Earth, its gravitational pull causes the water on the side facing the Moon to bulge outward, creating a high tide. Simultaneously, there is another high tide on the side opposite the Moon, where the gravitational pull is weaker. The areas in between experience low tides.

The Sun also influences tides, although to a lesser extent than the Moon. When the gravitational forces of the Sun and Moon align, such as during a full or new moon, higher high tides and lower low tides, known as spring tides, occur. When the gravitational forces of the Sun and Moon counteract each other, as during the first or third quarter moon, lower high tides and higher low tides, known as neap tides, occur.

Tides play a crucial role in various Earth processes, including coastal erosion, navigation, and the behavior of marine ecosystems. They also have implications for human activities such as fishing, shipping, and coastal infrastructure development.