Legal Definitions - neap tide

A neap tide is a type of tide that occurs when the sun's attraction partly counteracts the moon's during the first or last quarter of the moon. This results in a tide that is lower than average.

For example, if the average high tide is 6 feet, a neap tide may only reach a height of 4 feet.

This phenomenon happens twice a month, during the first and last quarter of the moon. Neap tides are the opposite of spring tides, which occur during the new moon and full moon and result in higher than average tides.

Understanding neap tides is important for activities such as fishing, boating, and coastal development, as it can affect the water level and accessibility of certain areas.