Question

How are tides caused?

Answer 1

Tides are caused by:

• The moon’s gravitational pull to a great extent
• The sun’s gravitational pull to some extent are the major causes for the occurrence of tides.
• Another factor is centrifugal force, which is the force that acts to counterbalance the gravity. 

Together, the gravitational pull and the centrifugal force are responsible for creating the two major tidal bulges on the earth. On the side of the earth facing the moon, a tidal bulge occurs while on the opposite side though the gravitational attraction of the moon is less as it is farther away, the centrifugal force causes tidal bulge on the other side. The ‘tide generating force is the difference between these two forces; i.e. the gravitational attraction of the moon and the centrifugal force.