The Moon plays a crucial role in creating ocean tides on Earth. The gravitational pull of the Moon causes the water on Earth to be pulled toward it, creating a bulge in the ocean. This bulge is what we see as the high tide. On the opposite side of the Earth, there’s another high tide due to the centrifugal force caused by Earth’s rotation. As the Earth rotates, different areas experience high and low tides, usually twice a day, known as semi-diurnal tides.
The Sun's Role and Tidal Variations
While the Moon has the greatest influence on tides, the Sun also plays a role in the process. When the Sun, Earth, and Moon align during full moons and new moons, the gravitational pull of the Sun and Moon combine to create spring tides, which are higher than usual. Conversely, during the first and third quarters of the Moon’s phases, when the Sun and Moon are at right angles, neap tides occur, resulting in lower tidal variations. The interaction between these celestial bodies creates the dynamic tidal movements that are essential to many ecosystems. Shutdown123