Which of the following statements regarding neap tides is/are correct? 1. It occurs every 14-15 days, which coincides with the first and third quarter of the Moon. 2. This tide has a small tidal range because the gravitational forces of the Moon and the Sun are in quadrature. Select the answer using the code given below:
Correct Answer: Both 1 and 2 are correct
Key Points
Neap Tides
Neap tides occur when the gravitational force of the Moon and the Sun act at right angles to each other, which happens during the first and third quarter phases of the Moon.
Statement 1:
“Occurs every 14–15 days, coinciding with the first and third quarter of the Moon.”
Neap tides occur approximately every two weeks, aligning with the first and third quarter phases of the lunar cycle. During these phases, the gravitational pulls of the Moon and Sun partially counteract each other.
✔ Therefore, Statement 1 is correct.
Statement 2:
“This tide has a small tidal range because the gravitational forces of the Moon and the Sun are in quadrature.”
During neap tides, the Sun and Moon form a right angle (quadrature position) relative to Earth. This reduces the combined gravitational effect, resulting in a smaller difference between high and low tides, known as a small tidal range.
✔ Therefore, Statement 2 is correct.
Additional Information
- Tidal range: The difference in height between consecutive high and low tides. It is influenced by the positions of the Earth, Moon, and Sun.
- Spring tides: Occur during full moon and new moon when the Sun, Moon, and Earth are aligned, producing the highest tidal range.
- Lunar cycle: The Moon completes its phases in about 29.5 days, including new moon, first quarter, full moon, and third quarter phases.
- Gravitational force: The attraction exerted by the Moon and Sun on Earth’s water bodies, responsible for the rise and fall of tides.
- Quadrature: The position when the Moon is at a right angle to the Earth-Sun line, resulting in neap tides.
Important Questions from Oceanography
Which one of the following is not a cold current?
Which of the following positions of Sun, Earth and Moon is/are suitable for Spring Tide?
1. SYZYGY Conjunction
2. SYZYGY Opposition
3. Quadrature
Select the correct answer using the code given below :
The maximum depth of Lithosphere is found in the
The periodic rise and fall of ocean water in response to gravitational forces is called
Consider the following statements regarding 'fronts':
1. The movement of a front causes a slow change in weather in the area over which it moves.
2. Cold fronts are associated with thunderstorms.
3. Warm front is the boundary between an advancing mass of warm air where it is overriding and rising above a mass of colder air.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
