Geography • Physical GeographyMedium
In oceanography, what is the primary cause of daily tides experienced on Earth?
A. Differential gravitational pull exerted primarily by the Moon and the Sun on the Earth's oceans✓ Correct Answer
B. Rotational friction between the ocean floor and deep water currents
C. Seasonal variation in atmospheric pressure over oceanic basins
D. Thermal expansion and contraction of surface water due to solar heating
💡 Solution & Explanation
Ocean tides are primarily generated by the differential gravitational pull exerted by the Moon and, to a lesser extent, the Sun on the Earth and its oceans, causing water to bulge outward. Factors like rotational friction or thermal expansion do not drive the cyclic rise and fall of coastal waters. An important related phenomenon is spring tides, which occur when the gravitational forces of both the Sun and the Moon are aligned during full moon and new moon days.
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