Understanding Tides
A Grade 6 science worksheet covering the causes, types, and effects of tides on Earth.
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Understanding Tides
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Read each question carefully and answer to the best of your ability. Good luck!
1. What is the primary cause of tides on Earth?
Earth's rotation
Wind patterns
Gravitational pull of the Moon and Sun
Ocean currents
2. How many high tides and low tides typically occur in a day at most coastal locations?
One high tide and one low tide
Two high tides and two low tides
Three high tides and three low tides
Four high tides and four low tides
3. Tides are the rise and fall of sea levels caused by the combined effects of the gravitational forces exerted by the Moon and the , and the rotation of the Earth.
4. When the Moon, Earth, and Sun are aligned, such as during a new moon or full moon, we experience tides, which are exceptionally high and low.
5. When the Moon and Sun are at right angles to each other relative to Earth, we experience tides, which have less extreme differences between high and low water.
6. The Sun's gravitational pull has a greater effect on Earth's tides than the Moon's gravitational pull.
True
False
7. High tide occurs on both sides of the Earth that are facing towards and away from the Moon.
True
False
8. Explain in your own words why the Moon has a greater influence on Earth's tides than the Sun, even though the Sun is much larger.