What causes tides in the ocean?

The gravitational effects of the sun, moon, Earth, and the rotation of Earth collectively cause tides in the ocean. The moon's gravitational pull is the primary factor influencing tides, as it creates bulges in the Earth's oceans. However, the sun also plays a significant role, contributing to the overall tidal forces due to its massive size, even though it is much farther away than the moon.

Additionally, the Earth's rotation influences the timing and height of tides, as different areas of the Earth move into and out of the gravitational pull of the moon and sun. The combination of these forces results in the regular rise and fall of sea levels that we observe as tides. This interconnected response of the sun, moon, and Earth's rotation is fundamental to understanding tidal patterns in the ocean.