The phase of the fortnightly cycle when lunar and solar tides reinforce each other, giving higher highs and lower lows. Springs follow new and full moon every 14.77 days, usually lagging them by a day or two, a delay called the age of the tide. The name has nothing to do with the season; it comes from the sense of the water springing up. At many stations the spring range is roughly double the neap range.
Springs this weekend, so the lows will be big enough to get the excavator onto the flats.
Ask a newcomer when spring tides happen and they often say March to May; the answer is twice a month, all year round.
Also heard as
- springs
- spring tides
Related terms
Neap tide
A tide of smaller than average range, occurring near first and last quarter moon when Sun and Moon pull at right angles.
S2
The principal solar semidiurnal constituent, period exactly 12 hours, which beats with M2 to make springs and neaps.
Perigean spring tide
An especially large spring tide that occurs when new or full moon falls close to the Moon's nearest approach to Earth.
King tide
Informal name for the highest tides of the year, usually perigean spring tides.
Tidal range
The vertical difference between a high water and the neighbouring low water.