Question

explain what causes spring and neap tides, and identify the phases of the moon when these tides occur. be sure to mention what happens to earth’s crust, ocean water and the positions of the sun, earth, and the moon.

Explanation:

Tides are caused by gravitational forces. In spring tides, the Sun and Moon's gravitational forces combine due to their alignment. In neap tides, their forces partially cancel out due to the right - angle position. The moon's phase determines the relative positions of the Sun, Earth, and Moon, affecting the strength of the gravitational pull on Earth's crust and ocean waters.

Answer:

Spring tides occur when the gravitational forces of the Sun and the Moon act together. This happens during the full - moon and new - moon phases when the Sun, Earth, and Moon are in a straight line (syzygy). The combined gravitational pull causes higher high - tides and lower low - tides. The Earth's crust experiences slight deformation, and ocean waters bulge more significantly.

Neap tides occur when the gravitational forces of the Sun and the Moon counteract each other. This takes place during the first - quarter and last - quarter moon phases when the Sun, Earth, and Moon form a right angle. The gravitational pull is weaker, resulting in lower high - tides and higher low - tides. The Earth's crust has less deformation, and the ocean water bulges are less pronounced.