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Chapter 4: Problem 9

Spring tides occur a. in March, April, or May. b. when the Moon's phase is new or full. c. when the Moon's phase is first quarter or third quarter. d. in either spring or fall.

Short Answer

Expert verified
b. when the Moon's phase is new or full.

Step by step solution

01

Understanding Spring Tides

Spring tides are higher than average high tides and lower than average low tides. They occur due to the combined gravitational forces of the Moon and the Sun.
02

Identify Key Phases

Spring tides occur when the gravitational pull from the Moon and the Sun are aligned. This happens during the new and full moon phases.
03

Eliminate the Incorrect Options

Option a is incorrect because it specifies months rather than moon phases. Option c is incorrect because it includes the first and third quarter phases, which is associated with neap tides. Option d is also incorrect as it refers to seasons rather than moon phases.
04

Confirm the Correct Answer

Since spring tides occur during the new and full moon phases, the correct answer is b.

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Key Concepts

These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.

Gravitational Forces
Gravitational forces play a crucial role in the occurrence of spring tides. The gravitational pull from both the Moon and the Sun affects the Earth's water bodies. When these forces act together, they cause the water to bulge out more than usual, resulting in higher high tides and lower low tides. This combined gravitational pull is strongest during the new moon and full moon phases. Understanding how these forces interact helps explain why spring tides are so noticeable. The key takeaway is that spring tides occur due to the alignment of the Moon's and Sun's gravitational forces.
Moon Phases
The phases of the Moon are essential for predicting spring tides. These phases include new moon, first quarter, full moon, and third quarter. Spring tides specifically occur during the new moon and full moon phases. During these times, the gravitational forces of the Moon and the Sun align, either pulling water in the same direction or causing it to bulge outward.
  • New Moon: The Moon and Sun are on the same side of the Earth, causing a strong combined gravitational pull.
  • Full Moon: The Moon is on the opposite side of the Earth from the Sun, but their combined gravitational pull still aligns.
This alignment is what results in the extreme high and low tides known as spring tides.
High Tides
High tides are influenced by the gravitational forces of both the Moon and the Sun. During spring tides, the high tides are exceptionally higher than usual. This phenomenon happens due to the combined gravitational pull from the Moon and the Sun when they are aligned.
High tides occur twice a day as the Earth rotates. But spring tides make these high tides even more pronounced. Mainly, if you observe the ocean during a spring tide, you'll notice the water reaching further up the shore.
Understanding high tides and their connection to spring tides helps clarify why certain times of the month see higher coastal water levels.
  • Normal High Tides: Caused by the gravitational pull of the Moon on its own.
  • Spring Tide High Tides: Enhanced by the combined gravitational forces of the Moon and the Sun.

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