Which of the following positions of Sun, Earth and Moon is/are suitabl

Which of the following positions of Sun, Earth and Moon is/are suitable for Spring Tide ?

1. SYZYGY Conjunction
2. SYZYGY Opposition
3. Quadrature

Select the correct answer using the code given below :

[amp_mcq option1=”1 only” option2=”2 only” option3=”1 and 2″ option4=”1 and 3″ correct=”option3″]

This question was previously asked in

UPSC NDA-1 – 2023

The correct answer is C) 1 and 2.

Spring tides are extreme tides (higher high tides and lower low tides) that occur when the gravitational forces of the Sun and Moon are aligned, reinforcing each other. This alignment happens when the Sun, Earth, and Moon are in a straight line, a configuration known as Syzygy. Syzygy occurs in two positions:
1. **Conjunction:** The Moon is between the Sun and the Earth (during the New Moon phase).
2. **Opposition:** The Earth is between the Sun and the Moon (during the Full Moon phase).
Quadrature occurs when the Moon is at a 90-degree angle relative to the Sun-Earth line (during the First and Third Quarter Moon phases), resulting in weaker tides known as neap tides.

The gravitational pull of both the Sun and the Moon affects Earth’s tides. When they pull in the same direction (Syzygy – Conjunction or Opposition), their effects combine, leading to spring tides. When they pull at right angles (Quadrature), their effects partially cancel out, leading to neap tides.

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