A high tide is known as a "high tide." High tides are the highest points that sea levels reach during the tidal cycle. They occur because of the gravitational pull of the Moon and, to a lesser extent, the Sun. When the Moon and the Sun are aligned (during a full moon or new moon), their combined gravitational forces result in higher than average high tides, which are called "spring tides." read more >>

The result is a smaller difference between high and low tides and is known as a neap tide. Neap tides are especially weak tides. They occur when the gravitational forces of the Moon and the Sun are perpendicular to one another (with respect to the Earth). Neap tides occur during quarter moons.read more >>