How the Moon Causes Tides — Reading Comprehension

The Moon is Earth's closest neighbor in space. It has a big effect on something we see every day at the beach: the tides. Tides are the regular rise and fall of the ocean's water level. You can see tides when the water on the shore moves in and out during the day.

The main reason for tides is the gravity of the Moon. Gravity is a force that pulls things toward each other. The Moon's gravity pulls on Earth's oceans. This pull causes the water to bulge out in the direction of the Moon. This bulge is called a high tide. On the other side of Earth, there is another high tide because of the way water moves around our planet.

When the water bulges out, other areas have less water and experience a low tide. Most places on Earth have two high tides and two low tides every day. This cycle happens because Earth rotates while the Moon orbits around it.

The Sun also affects tides, but the Moon has a bigger effect because it is much closer to Earth. When the Sun, Earth, and Moon are in a straight line, we get especially high and low tides called spring tides. When they form a right angle, we get smaller tides called neap tides.

Tides are important for many reasons. They help animals like crabs and clams find food on the beach. Fishermen and boaters use tide charts to stay safe. Tides also move nutrients in the ocean, helping sea life grow.

Interesting Fact: The Moon is slowly moving away from Earth, so in millions of years, tides will be smaller than they are today!

What causes Earth's tides?

How many high tides most places have daily?

What is a high tide?

What happens when Sun, Earth, and Moon align?

Why are tides important for animals?

What would happen if the Moon was closer?

Tides only happen in the ocean. (True/False)

What does 'gravity' mean?