       |
 | |||||
|
|
Tides
The Bay of Fundy, home of the highest tides in the world, is often referred to as "one of the marine wonders of the world". The tides in the St. Stephen area are so high because the St. Croix River is much narrower than other places along the coast; therefore the water is pushed into a smaller space while remaining at the same volume causing higher tides. Seeing is believing with this spectacle! 
Twice daily one hundred billion tons of swirling rolling sea water rolls along the magnificent shore lines of eastern Canada's Atlantic provinces, causing water levels to rise to heights of 14-16 meters, 48+ feet. In turn, this turbulent water forces its way up the St. Croix River and drastically affects the water level in the river - causing the levels to rise and fall eight meters - 25 feet! The initial cause of this tidal phenomenon is the pull attraction on the worlds' oceans by the moon, sun, planets and stars. They exert their gravitational pull most in relatively narrow bands around the earth at about 45 degrees north and south latitude. This is because those are the areas tipped closest and furthest away from these celestial bodies. Although the gravitational pull on the earth by these bodies and particularly when the moon is strong, it is not enough to actually lift water but it can greatly influence its direction of the flow, thus creating ocean tides. Along the coast of New Brunswick, ocean tides account for a general rise and fall from one to two metros - three to seven feet! Sometimes this figure can be higher if there is a celestial alignment which would combine the gravitational influence of these bodies on our planet. However, for the Bay of Fundy region, there are TWO important factors - Geographical Shape and Tidal Resonance which change these two metro (seven foot) tides to the world record of breaking 16 metros - 48 feet and above variety. The pull of the ocean by the sun, moon, and planets at the narrow mouth of the Bay of Fundy creates a wave of water that continues to double up on itself as it rolls up the funnel shaped coast line and then falls back. This entire journey takes about 13 hours by which time the moon is ready for another pull. The timing of this pull cycle creates a rhythmic rocking or "sloshing effect" to the water in the Bay which amplifies the tides to such incredible heights. It has been estimated that there may be as many as 200 different factors that may influence the timing and heights of these tides! Tide Schedules are available for: Saint John N.B. -- Tides at most Bay of Fundy locations are within 30 minutes of Saint John so subtract 30 minutes from these tide schedules for St. Stephen. Fast Facts on St. Croix River Tides
| ||||
