What causes tides?

Question

What causes tides?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Tides are primarily caused by the gravitational pull of the Moon and Sun on the Earth's hydrosphere. As the Earth rotates, the gravitational forces create a bulge in the ocean on the side of the Earth facing the Moon and a corresponding bulge on the opposite side of the Earth. These bulges result in the rise and fall of sea level, causing the phenomenon we call tides. While other factors, such as winds and ocean currents, can influence the height and timing of tides, they are not the primary cause of tides.

What Causes Tides