neap tide-a tide that occurs when the Sun and moon are at _________angles, making high tides lower than normal and low tides higherthan normal

Final Answer

Neap tide occurs when the Sun and the Moon are at right angles (90 degrees) relative to the Earth. This alignment takes place during the first and third quarters of the lunar cycle. When the Sun and Moon are positioned this way, their gravitational forces counteract each other, resulting in lower high tides and higher low tides compared to normal conditions. This phenomenon is caused by the differing gravitational pull exerted by the Sun and the Moon during these configurations. As a result, the tidal range—the difference in height between high tide and low tide—is minimized. Understanding this concept is crucial for predicting tidal movements and studying marine environments, as tides play a significant role in coastal ecosystems and navigation.