Spring Tides vs. Neap Tides: When the Difference Is Greatest

False. The greatest difference between high and low tide (maximum tidal range) occurs during spring tides, not neap tides.

Spring Tides (Max Range)

• Alignment: Sun, Moon, and Earth in syzygy (New Moon or Full Moon).
• Forces add: Solar and lunar gravitational pulls reinforce.
• Result: Higher high tides, lower low tides, stronger currents.
• Frequency: ~Every 14 days (semidiurnal cycle).

Neap Tides (Min Range)

• Alignment: Sun and Moon at quadrature (First/Third Quarter Moon)—90° apart.
• Forces partially cancel: Solar pull opposes lunar pull.
• Result: Lower high tides, higher low tides, weaker currents.
• Frequency: ~7 days after spring tide.

Other Modulators

• Perigee/Apogee: Moon closest/farthest → perigean spring tides ("king tides") / apogean neaps.
• Perihelion/Aphelion: Earth-Sun distance variation (minor).
• Coastal geometry: Bays, estuaries amplify (Bay of Fundy: 16 m range).

Spring tides = "springing forth" (not season). Neap = Old English nep (scant, weak).