How do the moon’s phases influence the tide on Earth?
In: Physics
During the time of a full moon or a new moon, the tides will be the highest high and the lowest low of the month. This is called a “spring tide” (it has nothing to do with the season of spring). During the time of a quarter moon, the high tide will be the least high and the low tide will be the least low. These are called “neap tides”.
The reason for this is: the moon pulls water towards it due to gravity. The sun also does this but the effect is much smaller. But during a full moon, the sun and moon are on the same side, both using gravity to pull the earth in the same direction. When it’s a quarter moon, the sun and moon are pulling in contrasting directions and so the gravitational effect is muted.
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