Neap tides occur when the moon is in what position?

Neap tides occur during quadrature, which is when the moon is positioned at a right angle to the line between the Earth and the sun. During this phase, the gravitational forces of the moon and the sun partially cancel each other out, leading to lower high tides and higher low tides, resulting in a smaller tidal range. This phenomenon occurs approximately twice a month, following the first and third quarters of the moon. The understanding of tidal behavior is crucial for navigation and seamanship, as it affects vessel maneuverability and safety in coastal waters.