Dictionary term
Neap Tide
Direct answer
Neap Tide: A Neap Tide is a period of smaller tidal range near first- and third-quarter Moon when lunar and solar tide-producing forces act roughly at right angles.
A Neap Tide has a smaller tidal range near quarter-Moon geometry.
A Sun–Earth orientation for seasonal, atmospheric, tidal, and terrestrial terms.Quick reference
- Use when
- Use Neap Tide for general timing context and pair it with official station predictions for navigation or coastal decisions.
- Do not use it for
- Do not call neap tides universally weak or safe; local bathymetry and weather can still produce hazardous conditions.
- Reference category
- Seasons & Earth Almanac
- Related terms
- Astronomical Season, Meteorological Season, Equinox, Solstice
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The story behind Neap Tide
The term has long described the moderated tidal range that follows spring-tide periods.
Neap Tide in spiritual tradition
Neap tides show that intersecting forces can moderate a cycle rather than erase it.
Neap Tide: fact and faith, kept distinct
This is a factual astronomy, calendar, Earth-science, cultural, or historical reference. It can support wonder at the created order without becoming a claim of fate, worship, or private revelation.
Neap Tide in numerology
Neap Tide is not a numerology claim. Any numbers attached to it should retain their ordinary scientific, calendrical, navigational, or historical meaning unless a separate symbolic interpretation is clearly labeled.
Why Neap Tide matters
Neap tides form the lower-range counterpart to spring tides in the recurring lunar-month tidal pattern.
Neap Tide at work: an example
During a neap period, high tides are often lower and low tides higher than during the surrounding spring-tide period.
Where interpretation stops
Neap Tide is presented as sourced astronomy, calendrical, Earth-science, cultural, or instrument-history reference. Definitions should distinguish measured phenomena from civil convention and historical interpretation, preserve location and time dependencies, and avoid turning factual sky data into a deterministic personal claim.
Sources and editorial method
Research references used for this entry include:
- NOAA Ocean Service: What Are Spring and Neap Tides? - Official explanation of lunar-solar alignment and spring and neap tidal ranges.
- Source
- The Great Almanac Dictionary
- Category
- Seasons & Earth Almanac
- Also appears in
- Seasons & Earth Almanac
- Aliases
- None listed
- Last updated
- 2026-07-15
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Common questions
What is Neap Tide?
A Neap Tide is a period of smaller tidal range near first- and third-quarter Moon when lunar and solar tide-producing forces act roughly at right angles.
How is Neap Tide used in an almanac?
Use Neap Tide for general timing context and pair it with official station predictions for navigation or coastal decisions.
What should I avoid when interpreting Neap Tide?
Do not call neap tides universally weak or safe; local bathymetry and weather can still produce hazardous conditions.
