Applet: Tides

Module 3: The Earth and the Moon

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Using the Applet:

This applet has been designed to help students understand why the Earth experiences tides.

Tides are caused by the gravity of the Moon and the Sun which tug at the Earth's oceans. This gravitational pull causes tidal buldges which produce a high or low tide, depending on the coastal location. The alignment of the Sun and Moon affect the strength and direction of the gravitational tug which produces tidal variations throughout. The difference between high and low tides are greatest during spring tides and the least during neap tides.