The tides are the regular rise and fall of sea levels caused by the gravitational pull of the Moon and the Sun on the Earth's oceans. As the Earth rotates, different areas experience high and low tides, typically occurring twice a day. The strength of the tides can vary based on the alignment of the Moon and Sun, leading to spring tides (higher high tides) and neap tides (lower high tides). Tides are influenced by several factors, including the shape of the coastline, ocean floor topography, and local weather conditions. Understanding tides is essential for navigation, fishing, and coastal management, as they affect marine life and human activities along shorelines.