What type of tides can be expected when the sun and moon align twice each month?

When the sun and moon align, which occurs during the full moon and new moon phases, the gravitational forces exerted by both celestial bodies combine to produce higher high tides and lower low tides. This phenomenon is known as spring tides. It is important to note that spring tides are not related to the season of spring but rather a term that indicates the increased range of tidal movement.

During spring tides, the tidal bulges created by the gravitational pull of the sun and moon working in tandem lead to more extreme tidal conditions compared to normal tides. This alignment happens twice a month, aligning with the lunar cycle. Therefore, the correct identification of the tide type in relation to this alignment is spring tides. With this understanding, the concept of neap tides, which occur when the sun and moon are at right angles to each other, can be differentiated from spring tides, as neap tides result in a lesser tidal range.