Term
Neap tide
Also written: Quadrature tide
A period of relatively small tidal range, usually near the first and third quarters of the Moon. The Sun’s and Moon’s tide-generating effects partly oppose one another. Local coastal geometry and tidal timing modify the range observed.
What to look for
The first-quarter Moon is near quadrature. Solar and lunar tidal effects then partly oppose, favouring neap tides; the local minimum tidal range can lag the quarter phase and depends on the coastline and basin.
Related labs
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