When do spring tides occur?

Spring tides occur when the Earth, Moon, and Sun are in alignment, creating a significant gravitational pull on the Earth's oceans. This alignment happens during the full moon and new moon phases. During these times, the gravitational forces of the Moon and the Sun work together.

The result is an increase in high tides and a decrease in low tides, leading to the highest tidal ranges. The combined effect of these gravitational forces leads to notably more extreme tides compared to other times in the lunar cycle. Understanding this phenomenon is essential for grasping how celestial alignments influence oceanic tides.