Neap tides occur when the Sun and the Moon are at right angles to each other relative to the Earth. This means that the gravitational pull of the Moon and the Sun partially cancel each other out. As a result, neap tides have the smallest tidal range, characterized by lower high tides and higher low tides compared to other times of the month. Specifically, neap tides happen during the first (waxing) and third (waning) quarter moon phases, approximately a week after spring tides. This positioning leads to a more moderate tidal effect on Earth's waters. In summary:
- Neap tides occur during the Moon's first and third quarter phases.
- The Sun and Moon form a right angle with the Earth during these times.
- This leads to less extreme tides, with less difference between high and low tides.
This natural cycle of neap and spring tides recurs roughly twice a month.
