Earth’s tides are caused by the difference in gravitational forces from the Moon and the Sun on the different sides of Earth. Spring or neap (high) tides occur when Earth, the Moon, and the Sun are al...Earth’s tides are caused by the difference in gravitational forces from the Moon and the Sun on the different sides of Earth. Spring or neap (high) tides occur when Earth, the Moon, and the Sun are aligned, and neap or (low) tides occur when they form a right triangle. Tidal forces can create internal heating, changes in orbital motion, and even destruction of orbiting bodies.
