![]() Depending upon the positions of the sun and moon relative to the Earth, the sun's gravity may enhance or diminish the tidal effect caused by the moon. The sun also exerts a gravitational force on ocean waters. Low tides occur at longitudes that are 90° from the longitudes of locations that are experiencing high tides. At the same time, inertial forces on the opposite side of the Earth causes a similar "bulge" creating another high tide. This causes a "bulge" in the waters closest to the moon, and creates a high tide. ![]() Ocean waters on the closer side of the Earth will experience a greater gravitational pull from the moon than waters on the opposite side of the earth (tide-generating forces vary inversely as the cube of the distance from the tide-generating object). At any point in a day, one side of the Earth will be closer to the moon than the opposite side. Oceanographers say that tides rise and fall, while tidal currents ebb (during a falling tide) and flood (during a rising tide).įor a simple explanation of tides, it is sufficient to consider only the effects of the moon (the magnitude of the moon's effect is about twice that of the sun, since the moon is closer to the Earth). ![]() The vertical motion of tides is accompanied by a horizontal movement of ocean waters called tidal currents. Tides are the periodic rising and falling of ocean waters caused by the gravitational forces of the sun and moon. Groups of four or more students Maximum Number of Students Two or three 45-minute periods, plus time outside of class for research and preparation Seating Arrangement
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