Here's why:
* Gravitational Pull: The moon's gravity is the primary driver of tides. The sun also exerts a gravitational pull, but it's weaker due to its greater distance from Earth.
* Alignment: Neap tides occur when the sun and moon are at right angles to each other relative to Earth (during the first and third quarter moon phases). This alignment means their gravitational pulls are working against each other.
* Result: The combined pull of the sun and moon is weaker, resulting in lower high tides and higher low tides compared to spring tides.
In summary, neap tides are characterized by smaller tidal ranges than spring tides.
