Which type of tide occurs when the gravitational pulls of the Sun and the Moon are at a right angle to each other, resulting in the lowest tidal range?

💡 Solution & Explanation

Neap tides occur during the first and third quarters of the moon when the gravitational pulls of the Sun and the Moon are perpendicular to each other, resulting in a minimal tidal range. This contrasts with spring tides, which happen during full and new moons when these celestial bodies align to produce maximum tidal ranges. Diurnal tides experience only one high and one low water tidal cycle per lunar day.