How does the size of high and low tides in a spring tide compare with the size of high and low tides in a neap tide?

Question

I don't know the answer, and I keep going back in lesson but cant find the answer. Please help.

Answer 1

First you should know a little about spring and neap tides.

 

Spring Tides: This type of tide occurs during a New Moon or a Full Moon, so essentially whenever the Earth, Moon and Sun are aligned.  Because of the excessive force exerted on the oceans you get the highest and lowest tides of the year recorded during spring tides.  Because of the force required to move so much water, the spring tides may occur a day or two after the full or new moon.

 

Neap Tides: This type of tide occurs during the first or third quarter phase of the moon, so when the Earth, Moon and Sun form a right (90 degree) angle.  Because of this configuration, the Sun and Moon are pulling on the oceans in two different directions and this causes the tides to be lower than an average everyday tide.  

 

In summary, Spring tides are the highest and lowest tides experienced on Earth and Neap tides are lower overall than normal everyday tides