Tides are the regular, periodic rise and fall of the Earth's ocean surfaces. This phenomenon is primarily driven by the gravitational forces exerted by the Moon and the Sun on the Earth. Because the Moon is much closer to the Earth than the Sun, its gravitational pull is the dominant factor in creating tidal bulges.
In addition to gravity, tides are influenced by the Earth's rotation and the orbital motion of the Earth–Moon system. These inertial effects, combined with the geometry of coastlines and the depth of the ocean, determine the timing and height of tides in different parts of the world. The resulting cycle of high and low tides is a fundamental aspect of marine and coastal environments.