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SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/fish-tides-cause

What mostly causes ocean tides?

Gravity from the moon and sun.

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  1. Ocean winds
  2. Underwater volcanoes
  3. Gravitational pull of the moon and sun ✔

Why: NOAA explains that tides are very long waves moving through the ocean in response to forces from the moon and sun.

Huh, didn't know that: High tides usually come about 12 hours and 25 minutes apart.

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Who won the race, the sand or the sea? Neither. They tide.
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References

Answer: Gravitational pull of the moon and sun. NOAA explains that tides are very long waves moving through the ocean in response to forces from the moon and sun.

  1. NOAA What are tides? oceanservice.noaa.gov/facts/tides.html
    Tides are caused by gravitational pull of the moon and the sun.
    Checked 2026-10-10.
  2. NOAA Tides and water levels: The lunar day oceanservice.noaa.gov/education/tutorial_tides/tides05_lunarday.html
    a lunar day is 24 hours and 50 minutes.
    Checked 2026-10-10.
  3. NOAA Tides and water levels: The lunar day oceanservice.noaa.gov/education/tutorial_tides/tides05_lunarday.html
    High tides occur 12 hours and 25 minutes apart.
    Checked 2026-10-10.

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