Spring tides got their name from the concept of the tide "springing forth".
Contrary to what the name might suggest, spring tides have nothing to do with the season of spring. The term is a common historical one derived from the idea of the tide surging or "springing forth" with greater strength and range.
Key Points about Spring Tides:
- Origin: Named because the tide "springs forth" or surges.
- Timing: Occur twice each lunar month, all year long.
- Relation to Season: Absolutely unrelated to the season of spring.
- Characteristics: Represent the tides with the largest difference between high and low water, occurring when the Sun and Moon are aligned (during new and full moons).
This historical terminology highlights how natural phenomena were described based on their observed behavior rather than their seasonal timing. The powerful surge of the tide led early observers to describe it as "springing forth."
