When do spring tides occur?

Spring tides occur when the Sun, Earth, and Moon are aligned, which typically happens during the full moon and new moon phases. In this configuration, the gravitational pull from both the Sun and the Moon combine to create higher high tides and lower low tides, resulting in a significant tidal range. This alignment enhances the tidal effects compared to when the Sun and Moon are at right angles to each other, which leads to neap tides with smaller tidal ranges. Understanding this concept is essential in the study of tides and their effects on Earth's oceans and coastlines.