Tidal Power In The Bay of Fundy

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Environment Report: Tidal Power In The Bay of Fundy

INTRODUCTION

The Bay of Fundy, which is found off the shores of Nova Scotia, has the

highest tides in the world .

Extraordinary tides occur when the tidal wave length is two to four

times the length of the Bay. By virtue of blind luck or physics, the tide is

amplified into a standing wave, like water sloshing in a bathtub. For a breaking

wave to form, the surging tide must meet an obstacle. When the ocean meets the

river going in the opposite direction, the sea hesitates, piles up behind the

front line, and advances anew in a tidal bore.

Usually the ingredients occur during a new moon with 15 feet tides and

the opposing force of the Shubenacadie river to display the true Bay's

magnificence.

This part of St. John is divided into 3 main areas: the main Harbor,

Courtenay Bay and the Outer Harbor. These areas are influenced by the Bay of

Fundy tides and the currents of the St John River which flow out of the main

Habour into the Bay.

This section also experiences two high and two low tides each day (semi

- diurnal), with a tidal range varying from 15 to 18 feet, depending on the type

of tides. High - water heights vary from 22 to 28 feet and low - water heights

vary from 0 to 7 feet above chart data. Because of these semi - diurnal tides

and the action of the St John River, slack water in the Habour occurs at

approximately tides and not at high or low water as would be the case at other

parts.

THE RHYTHMIC RISE AND FALL

In the Bay of Fundy, the tides are spectacularly large. While the rise

and fall of sea level due to tides is the most apparent aspect, it is also the

tidal currents that direct magnification of tides, and the sea level rises or

declines are due to resulting convergences and divergencies. These tides rise

and fall over a range that is greater than 50 feet; such massive water movement

combined with accumulation of sediment through erosion has built up a large salt

marsh that is a feeding station for migrating shore birds. The low fundy also

feeding a ground for marine life including whales. A long time ago between about

15000 and 10000 year ago at the glacier retreated from t...

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...e so that when a sufficient water level

was reached between the land and sea sides of the dam . a mill could use tidal

water to mix with the fresh water to turn the waterwheel that provided power for

grinding grain. The first mill in the would was built in 1607 by Samuel de

Champlain on the Lequille River. By 1910 Turnbull and an American engineer,

designed a double basin scheme that would cross the international boundary

between New Brunswick and Maine.

CONCLUSION

Given the grave environmental challenges such as global warning or environmental

pollution facing many kind in the coming century and because oceans play such a

very important role in governing the degree of global warming, fisheries yield,

and degrees of pollution along our beaches, the study of the tides through a

variety of means such as ship surveys, and remote sensing will lead to a better

understanding of how the oceans work. The hope is that as a result, we will

leave behind for our children a world that is both livable as well as enjoyable

in all its majesty . If we an avoid oil spills into the ocean the water and

environment will be more beautiful and ecologically safe for all living things.

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