Tides are the natural rise and fall of the water level based on the gravitational pull of the Sun and the Moon. Even though the Moon is much smaller than the Sun, it has a greater effect on the tides because it is much closer to Earth.
spring tide
Occurs on a New or Full Moon - when the Sun, Earth, and Moon are in a straight line. The absolute highest high tide is on a New Moon because the Sun and Moon are on the same side of Earth and pulling in the same direction.
Higher High Tides, Lower Low Tides - This means that there will be a greater change in the distance between high and low tide each day, known as the tidal range.
Higher High Tides, Lower Low Tides - This means that there will be a greater change in the distance between high and low tide each day, known as the tidal range.
neap tide
Occurs on a 1st or 3rd Quarter Moon - when the Sun, Earth, and Moon are at a right angle (90 degrees). This causes very little change in the tides because the Moon and Sun are pulling in opposite directions.
Lower High Tides, Higher Low Tides - This means that there is very little difference between high and low tide.
Lower High Tides, Higher Low Tides - This means that there is very little difference between high and low tide.