Explore how the Moon and Sun create tidal bulges on Earth.
Tides are caused by the gravitational pull of the Moon and Sun. Spring tides occur when Sun, Moon, and Earth align (new/full moon) — tidal range is maximum. Neap tides occur at quarter moons when forces partially cancel — minimum range. Earth experiences two high tides and two low tides per day due to the tidal bulge on both sides.