
They are the periodic rise and fall of the earth’s bodies of open water, and are a result of the gravitational pull of the moon and sun on the earth, as well as the perpetual spinning rotation of the earth itself.īy far the largest influence is the gravitational effect of the moon as it pulls the water toward itself, making a bulge on the surface of the ocean at the side of the moon (lunar tide).Īt the same time, the centrifugal force (caused by the spinning of the Earth-Moon system) acting on the water particles at earth’s surface opposite the moon,creates a second bulge. Tides are considered the heartbeat of our planet’s oceans. The red sandstone and volcanic rock have been worn away to reveal fossils from over 300 million years ago. The effect of the world’s highest tides on the Bay’s shores has created dramatic cliffs and awesome sea stacks. This highly productive, rich and diverse natural ecosystem has shaped the environment, the economy and the culture of the Fundy region. The immense energy of the tides stir up nutrients from the ocean floor, the mud flats and salt water marshes, providing an abundance of food for the birds, whales, fish and bottom dwellers that visit or call Fundy home. The force created by these mighty waters is equal to 8000 locomotives or 25 million horses at the Minas Channel. The height of the tide difference ranges from 3.5 meters (11ft) along the southwest shore of Nova Scotia and steadily increases as the flood waters travel up the 280 km (174 miles) of shoreline to the head of the Bay where, in the Minas Basin, the height of the tide can reach an incredible 16 meters (53ft). The Bay of Fundy has the highest tides in the world, and those enormous tides alone make that the Bay of Fundy is one of the world’s greatest natural wonders. When is the Best Time to Experience the Tides?.Why are the Bay of Fundy Tides the Highest?.We encourage you to read the entire page, but if you’re just looking for some specific information you may want to use the following index to jump to the appropriate section: Twice everyday the bay fills and empties of a billion tonnes of water during each tide cycle-that’s more than the flow of all the world’s freshwater rivers combined. Historical Activities: Travel Back in Time.Bay of Fundy Tides: The Highest Tides in the World!.
