How do tides rise and fall because of the Moon?

Tides are caused mainly by the gravitational pull of the Moon, with the Sun adding a smaller effect. Because the Moon’s pull is stronger on the side of Earth closest to it and weaker on the far side, the oceans form two tidal bulges. As Earth rotates through these bulges, most coastlines experience about two high tides and two low tides each day. The Sun can increase tides during spring tides when Sun, Moon, and Earth line up, or reduce them during neap tides when they form a right angle. This is a classic example of tidal forces, which depend on differences in gravity across distance.