MARITIME – TIDE & TIDAL TREAM CALCULATOR
Tidal Bore Speed
A precise tool.
What is the Tidal Bore Speed & How does it work?
A tidal bore is a surge of water that travels upstream against the river current when the incoming tide forms a steep wave front.
The speed of the bore depends primarily on the height of the incoming tide relative to the river depth and the acceleration due to gravity.
By treating the bore as a shallowβwater gravity wave, a firstβorder estimate of its propagation speed can be derived from energy balance principles.
V = \sqrt{g \cdot \frac{\Delta \eta}{h}}
V = bore speed (m/s)
g = gravitational acceleration (9.81 m/sΒ²)
\Delta \eta = bore height (m)
h = average water depth (m)
g = gravitational acceleration (9.81 m/sΒ²)
\Delta \eta = bore height (m)
h = average water depth (m)
Parameters
Result
β
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a tidal bore?
A tidal bore is a large wave that travels upstream against the current when the incoming tide meets a narrowing estuary.
How does the height of the incoming tide affect the speed of a tidal bore?
The higher the incoming tide relative to the river depth, the faster the tidal bore will travel.
What is the formula used to calculate the speed of a tidal bore?
V = sqrt{g cdot frac{Delta eta}{h}}, where V is the bore speed (m/s), g is gravitational acceleration, Delta eta is the height of the incoming tide, and h is the river depth.
Why is gravity important in calculating tidal bore speed?
Gravity acts as the driving force that propels the water against the current to form a tidal bore.
Can this calculator be used for any body of water, or just rivers and estuaries?
This calculator is specifically designed for use in rivers and estuaries where tidal forces are significant.
What factors can affect the accuracy of the tidal bore speed calculation?
Factors such as river width, channel shape, and the presence of obstacles can affect the accuracy of the calculation.
How often should I update the height of the incoming tide in my calculations?
It’s best to use real-time data for the height of the incoming tide to ensure accurate calculations of tidal bore speed.
Results are for informational purposes only and do not constitute professional advice.