What are spring tides and neap tides?
When the Sun, the Moon and the Earth are in a straight line, the gravitational force of the Sun strengthens that of the Moon causing tides that are higher than usual. These are known as spring tides (although they have nothing to do with the season of Spring). When the Sun and the Moon are at right angles to the Earth, weaker tides, called neap tides, are caused. Tides are essential to wash away the particles off the coasts.
