Question

Define the following term:

Neap tide

Answer 1

Neap tide occurs when the Earth, the Sun, and the Moon form a right angle (quadrature). During this alignment, the gravitational forces of the Sun and the Moon partially cancel each other, resulting in tides with less difference between high and low tide, about 20% lower than normal tides. Thus, the tidal range during neap tides is less than usual. This happens roughly on the seventh or eighth day of every fortnight.