Ocean Tides Quiz: Moon Phases, Spring Tides and Coastal Currents

Ten NOAA-backed questions on tide physics, lunar timing, coastal patterns and differences between currents and water levels.

Choose one answer per question. There’s no timer. You can skip a question; unanswered questions count as incorrect.

QUESTION 01Which celestial body has the largest influence on Earth's ordinary ocean tides?

The MoonMarsVenusJupiter

QUESTION 02About how long is a lunar day measured relative to the Moon?

12 hours24 hours and 50 minutes24 hours exactly48 hours

QUESTION 03What does the term tidal range mean?

The speed of a waveDistance between two portsThe height difference between high and low waterLength of an ocean current

QUESTION 04Which moon phases are associated with ordinary spring tides?

Only first quarterOnly third quarterOnly a solar eclipseNew and full moons

QUESTION 05Which moon phases usually bring neap tides?

First and third quarterNew and full moonOnly a new moonOnly a lunar eclipse

QUESTION 06Which tidal pattern has one high and one low tide per tidal day?

SemidiurnalDiurnalMixed semidiurnalSpring

QUESTION 07Which tidal pattern usually has two similar high tides each tidal day?

DiurnalNeapSemidiurnalTidal current

QUESTION 08How are tides different from ocean currents?

Tides measure salinity; currents measure temperatureTides are storms; currents are cloudsTides occur only at nightTides change water level; currents move water horizontally

QUESTION 09What is a flood current in tidal waters?

Water moving with the incoming tideA river that has overtopped its banksRainwater entering a gutterA cold deep-ocean current

QUESTION 10What drives currents in addition to tidal motion?

Only EarthquakesWind and water-density differencesOnly rainfallOnly sunlight reflected by waves

← Explore Ocean Tides & Currents

Ocean Tides Quiz: Moon Phases, Spring Tides and Coastal Currents

There’s more to the story.