General Navigation USCG Question #2010 (Set 63)

Neap tides occur only __________.

Official USCG Answer & Rule Citation

Correct Answer: Option C — when the Moon is at quadrature

Per Bowditch, neap tides occur when the Moon is at quadrature (first and third quarters), positioned approximately 90 degrees from the Sun relative to Earth. The opposing gravitational vectors partially cancel each other out, yielding minimum tidal ranges.

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