Bay of Fundy

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As a result of the earth's rotation, or coriolis power, and the shape of the oceanic basin the tidal waves revolve around a central point, or amphidrom. The determinant amphidrom in the North Atlantic revolves anti-clockwise once every 13 hours, producing a complete tidal change. The extended delta-like shape of the Bay of Fundy has an intensifying effect on the tides which are a mere 80cm (32in) high out in the open sea. The relative rise in the sea-level about 6000 years ago resulted in Fundy Bay being joined to the Atlantic, and from then onwards the tides were high. Since then the average tidal flow has continually increased, so that now during the spring tides it reaches up to 16m (53ft) in the furthermost corner of Fundy Bay. If in the future either man - by, for example, building giant tidal power-stations - or Mother Nature herself brings about marked changes in the shape of the bay that will almost certainly put an end to this fascinating natural spectacle.