what is spring tide

A spring tide is a tide with the biggest difference between high and low water, happening when the Sun and Moon line up with Earth during a new moon or full moon. It is called “spring” from the idea of the tide “springing forth,” not the season.

Quick Scoop

• Spring tides happen about twice each lunar month.

• They produce higher high tides and lower low tides than usual.

• Neap tides are the opposite: smaller tidal range, about a week after a spring tide.

Why it happens

When the Sun and Moon are aligned, their gravity works together and strengthens the tidal pull on Earth’s oceans. That is why the sea rises higher and falls lower than average during a spring tide.

Easy example

If you live near the coast, a spring tide can make the water come farther up the beach than usual at high tide, and leave more shoreline exposed at low tide.

If you want, I can also give you a one-line definition, a kid-friendly explanation, or a simple diagram-style breakdown.