Which type of tide denotes a period of least variation in tidal heights?

The type of tide that signifies a period of least variation in tidal heights is the neap tide. During neap tides, the gravitational forces of the sun and the moon are perpendicular to each other in relation to the Earth. This results in a reduced difference between high and low tides, meaning that the tidal range is at its minimum. Typically, neap tides occur during the first and third quarters of the moon.

In contrast, spring tides occur when the sun, moon, and Earth are aligned, which leads to a greater difference between high and low tides, resulting in the highest tidal ranges. Lunar and solar tides refer to the effects of the moon and the sun on tidal patterns, but they do not specifically denote periods of least variation like neap tides do. Consequently, neap tides are specifically characterized by minimal tidal height changes, distinguishing them from other types of tides.