Tides are primarily caused by the gravitational pull of the moon and the sun on the Earth's oceans. The moon's gravitational force is stronger since it is closer to the Earth, which is why the moon has a greater influence on tides.
The moon's gravitational pull creates bulges of water on opposite sides of the Earth, causing high tides. As the Earth rotates, these bulges move, causing the water level to rise and fall, resulting in two high tides and two low tides every day.
Yes, the moon's phase does affect tides. When the moon is at its full or new phase, its gravitational pull is strongest, resulting in higher high tides and lower low tides, known as spring tides. When the moon is at its first or third quarter phase, its gravitational pull is weaker, resulting in lower high tides and higher low tides, known as neap tides.
No, tides can also occur in large bodies of water such as lakes and even in the Earth's crust. However, the tides in these bodies of water are much smaller compared to ocean tides due to the ocean's larger size and its ability to freely move in response to gravitational forces.
Yes, the moon's influence on tides can be seen on land through the rise and fall of water levels in estuaries, bays, and channels. It can also affect the height of groundwater and cause small movements in the Earth's crust, known as earth tides.