2026 Final Exam Review
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What are tides?
The periodic rise and fall of sea levels caused by the gravitational attraction of the Moon and the Sun on Earth’s oceans.
Why can’t tides work on small bodies of water?
They do, but they are “invisible.” Size matters: a large body (Ocean) can be stretched like a long rubber band. A small body (Lake) is like a tiny grain of rubber—it’s too small for gravity to create a noticeable difference in pull from one side to the other.
Which of these affect tides the most: Moon or Sun
The Moon, because it is much closer to Earth, creating a stronger gravitational pull on the oceans.
Why does a high tide occur when a location is “under the Moon”?
Because the Moon’s gravitational pull is strongest at that point, pulling the water toward it into a “bulge
What is a “Lunar Day”? Is it only for tides?
The time it takes for a specific spot on Earth to rotate and get back directly under the Moon (24 hours and 50 minutes). This is when gravitational pull is the strongest , making the highest tides. Although it is mainly considered a “Tidal day” people have used this day for agricultural, navigational, and cultural purposes.
Why do tides shift 50 minutes later each day?
Because the Moon is orbiting in the same direction Earth is spinning. Earth has to rotate an extra 50 minutes to “catch up” to the Moon’s new position in space.
What would happen to tide times if the Moon stopped orbiting and sat still?
Tides would happen at the exact same time every day because the 50-minute “catch up” wouldn’t be needed. (Which is bad. The moon keeps Earth at a tilt to maintain ecosystems)
What is a Spring Tide and when does it happen?
The highest tidal range (highest highs/lowest lows). It happens when the Sun, Moon, and Earth are in a straight line (New or Full Moon).
Why are there ALWAYS two high tides at once?
The Moon pulls the water in front, and the water in the back “lags behind” as Earth moves. This makes the ocean a football shape with two high points. Imagine the ocean is a loose hoodie you are wearing The Front Bulge: Someone (the Moon) grabs the front of your hoodie and pulls it toward them. The hoodie stretches out in front. That’s the first high tide. The Back Bulge: Now, imagine you suddenly step toward that person. The back of your hoodie stays behind for a second because it’s loose. It “bunches up” away from your back. That is the second high tide. Low Tide: Because the hoodie is stretched tight in the front and back, it gets very thin on your sides. Those thin sides are the low tides.
How do I know if it’s a Spring or Neap tide just by looking at the sky?
If the Moon is Full or New, it’s a Spring Tide (Strong). If the Moon is a Half-Moon (90-degree angle), it’s a Neap Tide (Weak).
When do strong tides happen?
During new or full moons. The moon orbits much faster than Earth, so Earth gets left behind. The moon crosses “the finish line” (above Earth) twice in 29.5 days. (how long it takes the moon to orbit)
How long does it take for the Earth to orbit the Sun?
Roughly 29.5 days. The “.25” is why we add a Leap Day every four years!
What are “Spring Tides”?
The most extreme high and low tides. They happen when the Earth, Moon, and Sun align in a straight line.
What is a “Neap Tide”?
a period of moderate tides occuring twice a month, characterized by the smallest difference between high and low water. they happen when the sun and the moon are at right angles (90 degrees) to each other, causing their gravitational pull to cancel out
Why does February have fewer days than the other months?
It was originally the last month of the Roman calendar and simply received the “leftover” days after the other months were filled.
Why is there an 11-day gap between the Lunar and Solar year?
Because 12 Moon cycles (29.5 days each) only add up to 354 days, while Earth’s trip around the Sun takes 365 days.
What happens to the water during a Neap Tide?
The high tides are lower than usual and low tides are higher than usual. There is very little difference between them.
Where are the Sun and Moon located during a Neap Tide?
At a right angle (90°) to each other with Earth in the corner. They pull in different directions!
Why do we “want” the Sun and Moon to align?
When they align (New/Full Moon), their gravity combines to create Spring Tides—the strongest tides of the month. & to align the calendar with the seasons
During which two moon phases do Neap Tides occur?
First Quarter and Third Quarter (because they are at a 90-degree angle)
Does the Moon’s phase change its gravity?
No. Gravity stays the same, but the direction it pulls from changes as it orbits, which changes how it teams up with the Sun
List the moon phases and their descriptions
New Moon: All black (aligned for Spring Tide). 🌑 Waxing Crescent: A tiny sliver of light on the right. 🌒 First Quarter: Half-moon, light on the right (90° angle for Neap Tide). 🌓︎ Waxing Gibbous: Mostly lit on the right, just a small dark sliver left. 🌔 Full Moon: All bright (aligned for Spring Tide) 🌕. Waning Gibbous: Mostly lit on the left. 🌖 Third/Last Quarter: Half-moon, light on the left (90° angle for Neap Tide) 🌗 Waning Crescent: A tiny sliver of light on the left. 🌘
What influences tides?
The Big Three: Gravity from the Moon, gravity from the Sun, and the Rotation of the Earth.
When do Spring tides occur?
Alignment: Earth, Moon, and Sun are in a Straight Line. (The highest tides) - full or new moon