A tidal bore occurs when a strong incoming tide creates a wave that travels up a river, against the normal flow.
What is a Tidal Bore?
A tidal bore is a natural phenomenon that takes place along coastal areas where rivers meet the ocean or sea. It is essentially a visible wave or series of waves formed by the incoming tide flowing into a narrow channel or river.
How It Works
Based on the provided reference, the mechanism of a tidal bore can be explained as follows:
- Location: A tidal bore happens where a river empties into an ocean or sea.
- Mechanism: A tidal bore is a strong tide that pushes up the river, against the current. Instead of the typical gentle rise and fall of the tide, the incoming water forms a noticeable surge.
- Movement: This surge travels upstream, opposing the river's usual downstream flow.
- Appearance: It often appears as a crest of water moving up the river.
Key Characteristics
| Characteristic | Description |
|---|---|
| Location | River mouth where it meets the ocean or sea |
| Driving Force | Strong incoming tide |
| Direction | Upstream (against the river current) |
| Appearance | Often a visible crest of water or surge |
Example: The Fundy Tide
The reference mentions the surge of the incoming tide in the Bay of Fundy. Here, the tidal bore is so strong that:
- It temporarily reverses the normal flow direction of the rivers feeding into the bay.
- It is clearly seen as a crest of water moving upstream.
This example highlights the power of a strong tide to create a significant and observable upstream flow in a river channel.
