Tides Vocab

3. The invisible force from the Moon and Sun that pulls on Earth’s oceans and causes tides.
4. A very high tide that happens only a few times a year. It usually occurs when the Moon is new or full and the Earth is closest to the Sun.
7. A tide with the greatest difference between high and low tides. Happens during full moons and new moons when the Sun, Moon, and Earth are aligned. This causes very high high tides and very low low tides.
8. The 29.5-day cycle of the Moon’s phases as it orbits Earth. The Moon’s position in this cycle affects the strength and timing of tides.
9. The areas of ocean water that “bulge out” (stick out) on opposite sides of Earth because of the Moon’s and Sun’s gravity.

1. When the water level is at its highest point on the shore.
2. A tide with the least difference between high and low tides. Happens during first and third quarter moons when the Sun and Moon are at right angles to Earth.These tides don’t change as much (high tides are lower and low tides are higher than usual).
5. When the water level is at its lowest point on the shore.
6. The regular rise and fall of ocean water levels, mostly caused by the gravity of the Moon and Sun pulling on Earth’s oceans.