Tidal bore
A tidal bore (or just bore) is a tidal phenomenon in which the leading edge of the incoming tide forms a wave (or waves) of water that travel up a river against the direction of the current. As such, it is a true tidal wave.
A bore occurs in a relatively few locations worldwide, in areas with a large tidal range, only on certain tides, and when an incoming tide is funnelled into a shallow, narrowing river via a broad bay. A bore is a natural example of a self-reinforcing solitary wave or soliton. Larger bores can be particularly dangerous for shipping, but also present a challenge to surfers.
The word bore derives through Old English from the Old Norse word bara, meaning a wave or swell.
Rivers that exhibit a bore include:
Asia
- Brahmaputra, Bangladesh
- Indus River, Pakistan
- Qiantang River, China, which has the world's largest bore, up to 9 metres (30 feet) high, travelling at up to 40 km per hour (25 miles an hour).
South America
- Amazon River, up to 4m (12 feet) high, running at up to 25 km per hour (15 miles per hour).
North America
- Petitcodiac River in the Bay of Fundy, New Brunswick, Canada, the highest bore in North America, up to 7.5 metres (25 feet) high.
- Shubenacadie River, also off the Bay of Fundy, Nova Scotia.
Europe
- River Dee, Wales / England
- River Mersey, England
- River Severn, Wales / England up to 2 metres (7 feet) high
- River Trent, England and other tributaries of the Humber Estuary
- River Parrett, England
- Dordogne River, France
- Garonne River, France
- Seine, France had a significant bore until the 1960s, since when it has been practically eliminated by dredging.
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