Power of the Tides
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| Looking out my window, in the morning, I see a ship anchored in Puget Sound. |
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| Looking out again, mid-day, the ship has turned about 90 degrees. What moves a big ship around like this? There isn't much wind. Answer: the tide. Looking at a chart, I see the tide is falling and the water is flowing out of Puget Sound. |
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| One more look ... late afternoon. The ship has turned 180 degrees. The tide is rising, the water is flowing in and moving the ship around the anchor. Just another example of nature at work. |
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| For orientation, here is a map of the region. The tidal flow is from the Pacific Ocean into the Strait of Juan de Fuca and then into Puget Sound. It all reverses when the tide flows out. |
That's a stunning phenomenon. I guess no other boats in the way. That ship covered a bit of territory while supposedly at anchor. I thought being at anchor was being stationary.
ReplyDeleteGood observation. How far the ship can roam from the anchor partly depends on how much chain is released from the ship to the anchor. Sometimes, several extra meters of chain may be released with the intent of being an extra stabilizer. It's also possible, with enough tide or wind, for the ship to drag the anchor ... but usually not very far.
DeleteYes, the power of nature indeed!
ReplyDeleteTides can be so powerful.
All the best Jan
Ships go out to sea when the tide goes out. That's pretty good info from a little prairie boy.
ReplyDeletewhat a blissful and wonderful view you enjoy through your window John :)
ReplyDeletemany more blessings to you and loved ones .actually there is line in holy book that says that
"it is God the creator who makes waves bear the burden of your heavy ships and air the that supports the wings of birds "
for us science brings all the explanation of things how they work but infact it is only an illusion of senses provided by God so we can play this game confidently
ReplyDeleteHello John,
Love the views of the ship and the sound. It is interesting learning about the tides. Nature is powerful. Take care, have a great day!
Tides are so powerful! Great example of it. Love these photos! Enjoy the day!
ReplyDeletePowerful tide to move a ship like that.
ReplyDeleteWhen I go back home to Nova Scotia to visit, I love to walk the beaches to see what was left behind once the tide goes back out. My most favourite thing to find is beach glass. Tides are fascinating!
ReplyDeleteYou have a beautiful view out your window! It brings me back to when I visited Seattle, Port Townsend and Whitby Island many, many years ago.
That's pretty amazing, John. I enjoy learning more about the tides, which are pretty fascinating.
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