The word "tides" is a generic term used to define the alternating rise and fall in sea level with respect to the land, produced by the gravitational attraction of the moon and the sun.

Tides are created because the Earth and the moon are attracted to each other, just like magnets are attracted to each other.

Since the moon moves around the Earth, it is not always in the same place at the same time each day. So, each day, the times for high and low tides change by 50 minutes.

Bay of Fundy, Nova Scotia The maximum tidal range is about 17 meters. This extreme tidal range leaves boats high and dry during low tide!

Watch out for the low tides!

Be careful!

Whenever the Moon, Earth and Sun are aligned, the gravitational pull of the sun adds to that of the moon causing maximum tides called Spring Tides.

Neap Tides When the Moon is at first quarter or last quarter phase (meaning that it is located at right angles to the Earth-Sun line), the Sun and Moon interfere with each other in producing tidal bulges and tides are generally weaker; these are called neap tides.

Many factors influence the frequency of tides in an area including… Coastline Shape of ocean basin Water Depth

Tides are important The land in the inter-tidal region is sometimes underwater and sometimes out of the water. These "tide pools" are homes to many different kinds of plants and animals.

Picture of a spawning season of Grunion.