When the sun shineswith the moon...
Large tides are mainly due to the combined effect of the gravitational pull of the Moon and Sun on the ocean waters. When the Moon and Sun are aligned with the Earth, as during full and new moons, their gravitational forces combine to produce larger tides, known as spring tides. Conversely, when the Moon and Sun form a right angle with the Earth, the tides are less pronounced, known as neap tides.