What influences tides on Earth?

Tides on Earth are primarily influenced by the gravitational forces exerted by both the Moon and the Sun. The Moon has the most significant effect because it is much closer to Earth than the Sun, resulting in a stronger gravitational pull. This gravitational force causes the water in the oceans to bulge out on the side of the Earth that faces the Moon, creating a high tide.

In addition to the Moon, the Sun also plays an important role in the tidal phenomena. Although its effect is less pronounced than that of the Moon due to the greater distance, the Sun's gravity still influences the tides. When the Earth, the Moon, and the Sun are aligned (during full moons and new moons), the combined gravitational pull results in higher high tides and lower low tides, known as spring tides. Conversely, during the first and third quarters of the moon, the gravitational forces of the Moon and the Sun are at right angles to each other, leading to lower high tides and higher low tides, known as neap tides.

Earth's rotation does influence the timing of tides, allowing for the cyclical nature of high and low tides, but it is not a direct cause of the tide's height or pattern. Therefore, the combination of the gravitational effects of both