Chart Navigation & Plotting · Tides

Spring tides, which have the greatest range, occur:

Explanation

Spring tides occur near new and full moon, when the sun and moon align and their tidal forces add — producing the largest range. Neap tides (smallest range) occur at the quarter moons, when the forces are at right angles. The term has nothing to do with the season.

Authority: Bowditch, Pub. No. 9 (tides)

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