What causes high and low tides?

High and low tides are primarily caused by the gravitational pull of the moon and the sun on Earth's oceans. The moon's gravitational force creates a bulge of water on the side of the Earth that faces it, resulting in high tide. There’s also a corresponding bulge on the opposite side due to centrifugal force, leading to another high tide. Low tides occur in the areas between these bulges. The sun, while farther away, also influences tides, but its effect is weaker, creating variations depending on its position relative to the Earth and moon. In addition to the gravitational dance of celestial bodies, local geographical features, like coastlines and ocean floor topography, play a significant role in shaping tidal patterns. For example, narrow bays and estuaries can amplify the height of tides, whereas some areas might experience minimal tidal changes. Understanding these local influences provides a sneak peek into the unique tidal behavior that various regions of the world experience!