Which phenomenon do the bulges in ocean water levels represent?

Which phenomenon do the bulges in ocean water levels represent?

• A. High tides
• B. Low tides
• C. Tidal range
• D. Neap tide

Answer: (A)

The bulges in ocean water levels are high tides. Gravitational forces from the Moon pull on the oceans, causing the water to bulge on the side closest to the Moon and, due to inertia, another bulge on the opposite side. As Earth rotates, coastal areas move under these bulges, raising the water to a high tide. The lower water in between bulges corresponds to low tides. The term tidal range refers to the difference between high and low tides, and a neap tide is a specific condition when that difference is minimized.

The bulges in ocean water levels are high tides. Gravitational forces from the Moon pull on the oceans, causing the water to bulge on the side closest to the Moon and, due to inertia, another bulge on the opposite side. As Earth rotates, coastal areas move under these bulges, raising the water to a high tide. The lower water in between bulges corresponds to low tides. The term tidal range refers to the difference between high and low tides, and a neap tide is a specific condition when that difference is minimized.