> In addition, they only spawn during full or new moons – because they need a high tide.
Seems like tides should be dependent solely on moon position, not moon phase.
Seems like tides should be dependent solely on moon position, not moon phase.
Tides are largest at full moon and new moon, when their gravity gradients combine to enhance each other's tides. A week later, their gravity gradients interfere, decreasing the amplitudes of the tides.
My point was that the moon can be directly above or below, regardless of phase.
.... but thinking about it a little more, the tide probably gets an additional boost when the sun is contributing (i.e., the 3 bodies are lined up)
https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/facts/springtide.html
It's readily apparent along most coasts.
Aside, grew up in Florida and was always a little surprised whenever I met someone who'd not seen the ocean until they were an adult, but eventually realized maybe that wasn't so odd considering I didn't see snow for the first time till I was an adult. To me, skiing is something you do on the water, so when I say "snow skiing" people often look at me oddly, as if there's any other kind. Well, there is. :-)