2025 · Q77
Consider the following statements with reference to neap tides :
- 1Normally, there is a seven-day interval between two neap tides.
- 2At this time, the Sun and the Moon are at right angles to each other.
- 3The Moon's attraction is diminished by the counteracting force of the Sun's gravitational pull.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
indian-world-geographyoceanography
- A1 only
- B2 only
- C1 and 2
- D2 and 3
Explanation
Neap tides occur at the first and last quarters of the Moon, so two consecutive neap tides are about a fortnight apart — the seven-day interval is between a spring tide and the next neap tide, not between two neap tides — making statement 1 incorrect. At neap tide the Sun and Moon are at right angles (quadrature), so statement 2 is correct. The Sun's tidal pull then partly counteracts the Moon's, reducing the tidal range, so statement 3 is correct. Hence 2 and 3 are correct.