Tides happen because the moon pulls on the ocean, making it rise and fall like a big wave. The sun also helps, sometimes together, they make really high tides called spring tides, and other times they cancel each other out for neap tides. Tides are important because they help fish swim in and out of shallow water, and people build houses near the sea to stay close to the action!
Examples
- If you're at the beach and notice the water coming up to your ankles as the sun sets, that's a high tide. Later, when it goes away, that's a low tide.
- A fisherman knows when to cast his net by the tides, if he casts during a high tide, he might catch more fish that are swimming in.
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See also
- Why Do We Have Different Kinds of Weather?
- How Do Glaciers Move?
- Why Do Oceans Glow in the Dark?
- Why Do Trees Change Color in the Fall?
- Why Do Some Trees Lose Their Leaves in Winter?
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Categories: Environment · tides,ocean,moon,gravity,environment