If the relative positions of the sun and moon affect the ocean tides, why would it be smart for sailors and other people who work on the ocean to understand patterns in the earth-sun-moon system?

The relative positions of the Sun and Moon have significant effects on ocean tides due to the gravitational forces they exert on Earth's oceans. Understanding these patterns is crucial for sailors and others working on the ocean for several reasons.

1. Tidal predictions: The positions of the Earth, Sun and Moon determine the timing and magnitude of high and low tides. By understanding these patterns sailors can predict tides, which is essential for navigation especially when entering or leaving harbors and when operating in shallow waters where the difference between low and high tide can be critical.

2. Safety: Knowing the tidal patterns helps sailors avoid getting stranded in low waters or caught in strong tidal currents, which could be dangerous for both the vessel and its crew.

3. Maximizing efficiency: For activities like fishing or underwater construction it is necessary to carry them out at the most suitable times when tidal conditions are favorable. For example, certain fish may be more accessible during specific tidal conditions and construction work might require low tide.

4. Energy saving: By planning routes and operations around the tides mariners can save fuel and time since navigating with the tide rather than against it can make a voyage more efficient.

5. Environmental care: Understanding tidal patterns also helps in minimizing the environmental impact of marine operations by ensuring that actions that could disturb the seabed or coastal areas are conducted when the impact will be the least.

6. Emergency preparedness: In some instances extreme tidal events like spring tides (exceptionally high tides) can lead to flooding or amplify the effect of storm surges. Knowing when these events are likely to occur allows people working on the ocean to take necessary precautions.

In summary, understanding the Earth-Sun-Moon system's effect on tides equips those working on the ocean with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions, ensure safety, and improve operational effectiveness.