Why Are Some Tides Especially High (Spring Tides)?

What Crafty Clover says in this video

Intro

Hi there, curious minds! I'm Crafty Clover! Let's discover something amazing. Why are some tides especially high (spring tides)?

The Big Idea

Spring tides are especially high because the Sun and Moon line up! At new or full Moon, their pulls add together, so the oceans bulge more. They happen all year round, not just in spring!

Two Pulls

Step one: two pulls. Both the Moon and the Sun pull on Earth's oceans with gravity, and the Sun is huge, though far away. The Moon's pull is stronger, because it is so much closer.

Lined Up

Step two: they line up. At new Moon and full Moon, the Sun, Earth, and Moon sit nearly in a line. Their pulls work together like two kids pulling the same rope, so the pull is stronger.

Extra Big Tides

Step three: spring tides. The oceans bulge more, so high tides are higher and low tides are lower. The name comes from the old word for leaping up, not the season.

A Closer Look

Let's take a closer look! At new Moon, the Sun and Moon pull together. At full Moon, they pull together again. Both give extra big tides. At quarter Moon, their pulls fight, so the tides are smaller.

Quick Facts

Quick facts! Spring tides happen about every two weeks. Smaller tides are called neap tides, said neep. Spring tides happen in every season. Stay well back from the water's edge, and visit with a grown-up.

Think Like a Scientist

Now, think like a scientist! Compare tide charts for a full Moon and a quarter Moon. Ask a grown-up to help find them online or at the library. Which day has the bigger tide? Share what you discover with a grown-up.

Outro

Spring tides happen all year round. Science is amazing! Crafty Clover can be found on Amazon Books, Google Bookstore, and Apple Books. Available for purchase or download! Bye for now!