The Tides: How the Moon Moves Earth’s Oceans

Moon’s Pull – Tides are caused mainly by the Moon’s gravity tugging on Earth’s oceans.
Two Highs, Two Lows – Most coastlines see two high tides and two low tides each day.
Bulges of Water – The ocean bulges on the side facing the Moon and the opposite side, creating two high tides.
Sun’s Role – The Sun also affects tides, making them stronger or weaker depending on alignment.
Spring Tides – When the Sun, Moon, and Earth line up, tides are extra high and extra low.
Neap Tides – When the Sun and Moon pull at right angles, tides are milder.
Earth’s Rotation – As Earth spins, different places pass through the tidal bulges, creating daily tide changes.
Coastal Differences – Bays, inlets, and shorelines shape how dramatic tides appear in different regions.
Tides and Life – Many sea creatures depend on tidal rhythms for feeding, breeding, and survival.
Cosmic Connection – Tides slowly change Earth’s rotation and push the Moon farther away over time.