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 earths crust, ocean water, and the positions of the sun, earth, and the moon.

Explanation:

Spring tides occur when the Sun, Earth, and moon are in a straight - line (during full moon and new moon phases). The combined gravitational pull of the Sun and moon on Earth's ocean water causes higher high - tides and lower low - tides. Earth's crust also experiences slight deformation. Neap tides happen when the Sun and moon are at right angles to each other (first and third quarter moon phases). The gravitational forces of the Sun and moon partially cancel each other out, resulting in lower high - tides and higher low - tides. Ocean water has less extreme tidal changes, and the crustal deformation is also less pronounced.

Answer:

Spring tides are caused by the Sun, Earth, and moon being in a straight line (new and full moon phases), with more extreme ocean tides and crustal deformation. Neap tides are due to the Sun and moon being at right angles (first and third quarter moon phases), with less extreme ocean tides and crustal deformation.