Re: [Paddlewise] A question about ocean currents

From: Dave Kruger <kdruger_at_pacifier.com>
Date: Sat, 21 Dec 2002 06:07:54 -0800
Warner Family <hmgwarner_at_shaw.ca> wrote:

>> I've been wondering about water dynamics in narrow ocean channels.  Are
you
more likely to encounter strong turbulence on extreme high tides or on
lower tides?  [snip]

Without years of ocean experience to back me up I am, nevertheless,
beginning to think that you're  likely to find more turbulence when there
is less water flowing over or through restricted passage.>>

I think you've got a good point:  that an extreme current will produce more
turbulence when the water level is low, assuming it is obstructions under
the surface that help generate the turbulence, as well as flow past points.

However, to get an extreme current, the water level __normally__ has to be
somewhere near mid-tide, because the __normal__ high current time is about
halfway between high tide and low tide.  So, it's not likely you will find a
place that has extreme current at low water.

It might be useful to set up the lawn chair on a high point and watch one of
your favorite turbulent spots throughout the middle of the ebb (or, flood),
and see what happens.
--
Dave Kruger
Astoria, OR

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Received on Sat Dec 21 2002 - 06:08:05 PST

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