Because of the trumpet-bell shape of Hangzhou Bay, China, the tidal cycle creates a tidal bore, which is a large rapidly-moving wave generated by the incoming waters. The tidal bore here is called the "Black Dragon", and it moves up the Qiantang River. Tidal bores on other bodies of water and rivers are uncommon but not rare -- the Severn River in England, several rivers draining into the Bay of Fundy in Canada, Turnagain Arm near Anchorage, Alaska are some examples -- even the mighty Amazon River can have a tidal bore under just the right conditions.
The Qiantang River tidal bore is big, perhaps the biggest in the world. And every now and then, everything combines just right to make it larger than usual. When this happens, people, bicycles, and cars get swept away. My question -- since this keeps happening, why don't they stay out of the way when the wave is going by?
This query is prompted by the Daily Mail aticle linked below. I don't think anyone was killed, fortunately, but it sure is inconvenient.
Dramatic moment massive tidal wave sweeps away vehicles as gushing river water swallows a road in China |
| Bad News Bore |
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