Spring tides occur when the Sun, Earth, and Moon are aligned, resulting in a combined gravitational pull that produces higher high tides and lower low tides.
Here's a more detailed explanation:
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Alignment is Key: Spring tides happen during the new moon and full moon phases. At these times, the Sun, Earth, and Moon align in a straight line (or nearly so).
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Combined Gravitational Forces: The gravitational pull of both the Sun and the Moon act on Earth's oceans. When they are aligned, their gravitational forces combine, creating a stronger pull than either celestial body could exert alone.
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Exaggerated Tides: This combined gravitational force results in higher high tides (because the water is pulled more strongly towards the aligned bodies) and lower low tides (because the water is pulled away from these areas).
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Not Seasonal: Despite the name "spring" tides, they do not occur only in the spring season. They happen approximately twice a month, every time there's a new or full moon.
In summary, spring tides are not related to the season; they are a consequence of the synergistic gravitational forces of the Sun and Moon when aligned during the new and full moon phases.
