Ocean Tides

About this simulation

This model draws the ocean bulge caused by the Moon, and optionally the Sun, around a spinning Earth. Students change the Moon position over the 29.5 day cycle, set the Moon distance between 356 and 407 thousand km, and pick preset alignments for spring tides at new and full Moon or neap tides at the quarters. Readouts show the tide type, equatorial tidal range, level at a gauge and Moon pull. It supports explaining two high tides a day, the spring and neap cycle and why a closer Moon raises bigger tides.

What students can explore

Choose Spring: new Moon and then Neap: first quarter and compare the Tidal range readouts.
Turn Include Sun off and see how the bulge changes without the Sun's smaller pull.
Drag Moon distance from 356 to 407 k km and watch the Moon pull value change.
Watch the Level at gauge readout as Earth spins and count two highs per day.
Set Alignment to Orbiting and drag Moon position through a full month.

Learning objectives

1Explain why there are two high tides each day.
2Distinguish spring tides from neap tides by the Sun, Earth and Moon alignment.
3Describe how Moon distance changes tide height.
4Recognize that the Moon's gravity is the main cause of tides.

Questions teachers ask

Is the ocean tides simulation free?

Yes. It is free in any modern browser, including whiteboards and tablets. You do not need to sign up or install anything.

Why are there two high tides a day?

The Moon pulls the near-side water more strongly than Earth and the far side less, so there are two bulges. As Earth spins through them, a coast sees two highs and two lows a day.

What are spring and neap tides?

Spring tides have the largest range and happen when the Sun, Earth and Moon line up at new or full Moon. Neap tides have the smallest range and happen at the quarter Moons.

Do real tides match the model?

Only roughly. It shows equilibrium theory with bulges drawn about 4 times too tall. Real coasts, basins and friction change tide size and timing a great deal, as in the Bay of Fundy.

Embed this simulation

Drop it into your LMS, blog, or class site — free.

<iframe src="https://kiwibee.io/en/simulations/tides-3d-simulation/embed" title="Ocean Tides | KiwiBee" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen style="width:100%;height:min(70vh,620px);min-height:420px;border:0;border-radius:16px"></iframe>

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