How Does Ocean Tides Work?

Ocean tides are like when the sea goes up and down, just like a big wave that comes and goes twice every day.

The moon is like a strong friend who pulls on the ocean from far away. When the moon is near, it gives the water a little tug, making it rise, this is called high tide. When the moon moves farther away, the sea has less pull and goes down, that's low tide.

The sun also plays a part in tides. Sometimes the sun helps the moon pull harder on the ocean, and sometimes it pulls in the opposite direction, making the tides a little different each day.

Imagine you're playing with your favorite toy boat in a bathtub. When you move your hand near the tub, the water comes up, just like high tide! When you take your hand away, the water goes down, that’s low tide. The moon is doing something similar but much farther away.