Tidal race

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Tidal race (or tidal rapid) is a natural occurrence whereby a fast moving tide passes through constriction resulting in the formation of waves, eddies and hazardous currents. The contraction can be a passage where the sides narrow, for example the Gulf of Corryvreckan and the Saltstraumen maelstrom, or an underwater obstruction (a reef or rising seabed), such as is found at the Portland Race.

In extreme cases, such as Skookumchuck Narrows in British Columbia, through which tides can travel at more than 17 knots, very large whirlpools form which are extreme hazards to navigation.

Notable tidal races

• Skookumchuck Narrows in British Columbia, Canada
• The Bitches in Wales, United Kingdom
• Falls of Lora in Scotland, United Kingdom
• Portland Bill on the Isle of Portland, England, United Kingdom

See also

• Tidal bore
• Rip current

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Last updated on Saturday November 03, 2007 at 02:02:25 PDT (GMT -0700)
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