What is the regular rise and fall of the ocean's surface primarily influenced by?

The regular rise and fall of the ocean's surface, known as tides, is primarily influenced by the gravitational pull of the moon. As the moon orbits the Earth, its gravitational force creates bulges in the ocean, leading to higher water levels, or high tides, on the side of the Earth facing the moon. Conversely, on the opposite side of the Earth, a second bulge occurs due to the centrifugal force created by the Earth-moon system's rotation. This phenomenon results in the predictable cycle of rising and falling water levels.

While solar energy does influence ocean temperatures and currents, it is not the primary factor responsible for the formation of tides. Earth's rotation does play a role in the timing of when high and low tides occur, but it is the moon's gravity that is the main force behind the tidal movements. Wind patterns can impact surface currents and wave formation but do not directly cause the tidal cycles experienced in the oceans. Therefore, the gravitational influence of the moon is the key factor in the regular rise and fall of the ocean's surface.