Difference Between Spring Tides and Neap Tides

Difference Between Spring Tides and Neap Tides: Have you ever wondered why tides are so predictable? It is so because tides are nothing but the rise and fall of sea water due to the gravitational forces of the sun and moon. This means the level of water depends on the gravitational pull, hence, any change in this pull may affect the level of water. There are two types of waves based on the position of the sun and moon – Spring and Neap Tides.

This article deals with the explanation of Spring tides and Neap tides in brief along with the difference between Spring Tides and Neap Tides.

What are Spring Tides?

The key feature of these tides is that the level of water in high tide is higher than usual and in low tides, it is lower than usual and such tides are known as “Spring Tides”. Spring Tides are also known as “King Tides”. These Tides occur twice a month.

• For harbors with shallow bars at the entrance which prevent ships from entering, during high tides it is easier for ships to enter.
• They are also helpful in desilting sediments and in removing polluted water from river estuaries.

Causes of Spring Tides

As we know, when the Sun, Moon, and Earth are in a straight line (Syzygy position), gravitational pull due to the Sun and Moon is maximum. The reason behind these tides is the combined action of gravitational forces of the sun and moon, as a result, water levels are at their extreme levels during spring tides.

What are Neap Tides?

the level of water at high tide is lower than usual and in low tides, it is higher than usual such tides are known as “Neap Tides”. This alignment of the Sun and Moon occurs on the 7th-8th day of every fortnight(2 weeks).

• Riverine deposits during neap tides along sea coasts.
• during low tides, water collected during high tides is expelled, which in turn rotates turbines and generates electrical power.

Causes of Neap Tides

When the Sun and Moon are at right angles to each other (Quadrature Position), gravitational pull due to the Sun and Moon is minimal. Neap Tides occurs due to the counteraction of gravitational forces of both the sun and moon, as a result, high tides have relatively lower water levels than usual.

Important Points:

• There is a gap of 7 days between Spring and Neap tides.
• Tidal Range : it is defined as the difference between high tide and low tide.
• The tidal range depends on the depth of ocean water, the configuration of the coastline and the openness or closeness of the sea or water body.

Difference Between Spring Tides and Neap Tides

Here are the points of difference Spring Tides and Neap Tides:

Spring Tides	Neap Tides
Occurs in Syzygy position of Sun, Moon and Earth.	Occurs in Quadrature position of Sun, Moon and Earth.
High tides higher than usual.	High tides lower than usual.
Low tides lower than usual.	Low tides higher than usual.
High Tidal Range.	Low Tidal Range.
As a result of combined action of gravitational forces of sun and moon.	As a result of combined action of gravitational forces of sun and moon.

FAQs on Difference Between Spring Tides and Neap Tides

1. Why it is called a Spring Tide ?

Spring Tides are not related to Spring season. The term is derived from the concept of “Springing Forth” of the Tide. Spring tides occur twice a month and recognized by higher water levels in high tides and lower water levels in low tides.

2. Where do the world’s Highest tides occur?

World’s highest tides are found at Burntcoat head in Nova Scotia, in The Bay of Fundy .

3. What are Perigean Spring Tides?

Perigean Spring Tides occur when there is a new moon or a full moon and the distance between the moon and Earth is at a minimum (Perigee position), Perigean Spring Tides occurs. They are marked by the highest water levels during high tides throughout the year.

4. What are Apogean Neap Tides ?

Apogean Neap Tides occur when the moon is in the first or third quarter, and the distance between the moon and Earth is at a maximum (Apogee position), Perigean Spring Tides occurs. They are marked by the highest water levels during high tides throughout the year.