Neap tides occur when the Earth, moon, and sun are positioned at what angle?

Neap tides occur when the Earth, moon, and sun are positioned at right angles to each other. This configuration typically happens during the first and third quarters of the lunar cycle.

When the moon is at a right angle to the sun relative to the Earth, the gravitational forces exerted by the sun and moon on the Earth's oceans partially cancel each other out. As a result, the tidal ranges are less pronounced, leading to lower high tides and higher low tides, hence the designation of "neap" tides. This phenomenon contrasts with spring tides, which occur when the Earth, moon, and sun align in a straight line, resulting in higher tidal ranges.

Understanding this angle and its impact on tidal patterns is essential in oceanography, as tides significantly affect coastal ecosystems and human activities.