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Tides are the rise and fall of sea levels caused by the gravitational forces exerted by the Moon and the Sun on Earth's oceans. The flow of tides is influenced by the positions of the Moon, the Sun, and Earth in relation to each other. Here are key points about how tides flow:

• Gravitational Influence: The primary factor influencing tides is gravitational attraction. The Moon's gravitational pull causes a bulge of water toward it, creating a high tide on the side of Earth facing the Moon. Simultaneously, there is another high tide on the opposite side due to the centrifugal force caused by Earth's rotation.

• Two High Tides: In a 24-hour period, there are typically two high tides and two low tides. When it's high tide on one side of the Earth due to the Moon's influence, it's also high tide on the opposite side. The areas in between experience low tide.

• Sun's Influence: The Sun also contributes to tidal forces, although to a lesser extent than the Moon. When the Sun, Moon, and Earth align during a full moon or new moon, the combined gravitational pull leads to higher high tides, known as spring tides. When they are at right angles during the first or third quarter moon, the gravitational forces partially cancel out, resulting in lower high tides, known as neap tides.

Regarding the statement "tides flow constantly in a definite direction," this is false. Tides do not flow in a single, constant direction. The changing positions of the Moon and the Sun, along with Earth's rotation, cause a regular oscillation between high and low tides. The direction of tidal flow depends on the geography of the coastline and local features like bays and estuaries. Tidal currents can vary in strength and direction throughout the tidal cycle.