What relationship exists between low tides and phases of the moon?
The earth experiences tides caused by both the sun and the moon. The moon, being closer, causes larger tides than the sun. When the moon is full or new, the tides of the sun and moon add to each other, and are called ‘spring’ tides. These are the highest and lowest tides of the month. When the moon is in quarter phases (first quarter or last quarter) the sun and moon tides subtract, and these are called ‘neap’ tides. The neap tides are more moderate, not getting as high and not sinking as low.
