Spring Tide:
- A spring tide occurs when the sun, moon, and Earth are aligned in a straight line, creating a gravitational pull that combines their forces.
- During a spring tide, the high tides are higher and the low tides are lower than usual.
- Spring tides occur twice a month, during the full moon and new moon phases.
- The gravitational force of the moon is stronger during a spring tide, resulting in a greater difference between high and low tides.
- Spring tides can cause coastal flooding and strong tidal currents.

Neap Tide:
- A neap tide occurs when the sun, moon, and Earth form a right angle, creating a gravitational pull that partially cancels out their forces.
- During a neap tide, the high tides are lower and the low tides are higher than usual.
- Neap tides occur twice a month, during the first and third quarter moon phases.
- The gravitational force of the moon is weaker during a neap tide, resulting in a smaller difference between high and low tides.
- Neap tides are less powerful and have less impact on coastal areas compared to spring tides.

Differences:
1. Cause: Spring tides are caused by the alignment of the sun, moon, and Earth, while neap tides are caused by the right angle alignment of these celestial bodies.
2. Tidal Range: Spring tides have a greater difference between high and low tides, resulting in higher high tides and lower low tides. Neap tides have a smaller difference between high and low tides, resulting in lower high tides and higher low tides.
3. Frequency: Spring tides occur during the full moon and new moon phases, happening twice a month. Neap tides occur during the first and third quarter moon phases, also happening twice a month.
4. Impact: Spring tides can cause coastal flooding and strong tidal currents due to their larger tidal range. Neap tides have less impact on coastal areas as their tidal range is smaller.

Overall, the main difference between spring tides and neap tides lies in their causes, tidal ranges, frequencies, and impacts on coastal areas. Understanding these differences is important for activities such as boating, fishing, and coastal planning.