Here's why:

* Gravitational Pull: Both the sun and moon exert gravitational pull on Earth's oceans. When they align, their gravitational forces combine, resulting in a stronger pull on the water.

* High Tides: This combined pull creates exceptionally high high tides (spring high tides).

* Low Tides: Conversely, the areas opposite the combined pull experience exceptionally low low tides (spring low tides).

Spring tides are named for the "springing forth" of the tides, not for the season. They occur during both new moon and full moon phases when the sun, Earth, and moon are in a straight line.