The Moon’s Gentle Pull
Oceans have tides because of the moon’s gravity. Even though the moon is far away, its gravity pulls on Earth’s water. When the moon is above part of the ocean, it pulls the water slightly upward, creating a high tide in that area. On the opposite side of the Earth, another high tide happens because of how the Earth and moon move together. As the Earth spins, different parts of the ocean move into these spots, and that’s what makes the water rise and fall every day.
Tides Keep Moving Like a Rhythm
Most places on Earth have two high tides and two low tides each day. The sun also helps a little with tides, but the moon is the main reason. Tides are important because they move ocean water, help animals that live near shorelines, and even help people who fish or sail. So next time the beach looks different, it might just be the moon doing its quiet work above.
FAQs
Q: Can we see the tide change while standing on the beach?
A: Yes, but it happens slowly. If you wait a few hours, you’ll notice the water has moved in or out along the shore.
Q: Do lakes have tides too?
A: Lakes are usually too small for noticeable tides. Oceans are big enough for the moon’s gravity to make a big difference.
