Which of the following best describes neap tides?

Neap tides occur when the gravitational forces of the Moon and the Sun are perpendicular to each other relative to the Earth. This alignment generally happens during the first and third quarters of the Moon's cycle. During neap tides, the high tides are not as high as normal, and the low tides are not as low. This leads to a reduced tidal range because the opposing gravitational pull of the Sun somewhat counteracts the pull of the Moon.

In contrast, the other choices do not accurately describe the conditions of neap tides. The alignment of the Moon with the Earth and Sun would lead to spring tides, which are characterized by higher high tides and lower low tides. The sun being at its highest point refers to solar noon and does not have a direct correlation with tidal patterns. Stating that both tides are extremely high pertains to spring tides rather than the lesser variation observed in neap tides.