Chapter 30, Problem 20RQ

When would the highest high tide occur: during a spring tide or a neap tide?

To determine

The time when the highest high tide occur: during a spring tide or a neap tide.

Answer to Problem 20RQ

The highest high tide occurs during a spring tide.

Explanation of Solution

When the Sun, Earth, and Moon are aligned, tides are formed due to the Sun and Moon coincides. Then the higher than average high tides and lower than average low tides are formed. These are called spring tides. They occur at the time of new or full Moon.

When the Moon is halfway between a new Moon and a full Moon, the pulls of the Moon and Sun are perpendicular to each other. As a result, the solar as well as lunar tides don’t overlap. Then the high tides are not as high and low tides are not as low. These are called neap tides.

Conclusion:

Therefore the highest high tide occurs during a spring tide.