When do spring tides occur?

Spring tides occur during the new moon and full moon phases. This phenomenon is a result of the alignment of the Earth, moon, and sun. During a new moon, the moon is positioned between the Earth and the sun, causing the gravitational forces from both the moon and the sun to work together, resulting in higher high tides and lower low tides. Similarly, during a full moon, the Earth is between the moon and the sun, and again, the gravitational pull is enhanced due to this alignment.

The significant difference in tidal range during spring tides is what makes them particularly noteworthy in hydrographic surveying, as they influence water levels and can affect navigational conditions. Understanding the timing of spring tides is essential for hydrographic surveyors when planning their surveys to account for these variations in water levels.