How do forces create the tides on Earth?
Quick Answer
Tides are mainly caused by the Moon’s gravity pulling more strongly on the side of Earth facing it than on the far side. The Sun also contributes, but less than the Moon.
The Full Story
The Moon’s gravity creates a slight difference in pull across Earth, producing tidal bulges in the oceans. Because Earth rotates, many coastlines experience two high tides and two low tides each day. The Sun also affects tides, but the Moon has the larger effect because it is much closer. When the Sun, Moon, and Earth line up during new and full moons, the tides are especially large and are called spring tides. When the Sun and Moon are at right angles, tides are smaller and are called neap tides.
Key Facts
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"Why does the Moon make the oceans rise and fall?"
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