🔍 Key Concepts

• Rotary tidal currents and how their speed relates to tidal range • Difference between spring tides and neap tides and what Moon phases cause each • Effect of the Moon’s distance from Earth (perigee/apogee) on tidal height and currents

💭 Think About

• First decide during which Moon phases the strongest (spring) tides occur, and how that affects current velocity • Consider separately: What happens to tides when the Moon is closer to Earth (perigee)? Does that generally make currents stronger or weaker? • Ask yourself: If more than one of the listed conditions can increase tidal range, what does that imply about the current’s velocity and which choices could be eliminated?

✅ Before You Answer

• Be clear which phases create spring tides versus neap tides • Verify whether perigee is associated with higher or lower tidal ranges and stronger or weaker currents • Check if each option listed can independently contribute to increased tidal current velocity before choosing an answer