Here's why:
* Gravitational pull: Both the sun and moon exert a gravitational pull on Earth. The moon's pull is stronger because it's closer.
* Alignment: When the sun, moon, and Earth are aligned, their gravitational forces combine, resulting in a stronger pull on Earth's oceans.
* Spring tides: These tides are higher than average high tides and lower than average low tides.
In contrast, neap tides occur during the first and third quarter moon phases when the sun and moon are at right angles to each other. This reduces the combined gravitational pull, resulting in weaker tides.
