Tidal race

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Tidal race (or tidal rapid) is a natural occurrence whereby a fast moving tide passes through constriction resulting in the formation of waves, eddies and hazardous currents. The contraction can be a passage where the sides narrow, for example the Gulf of Corryvreckan, or an underwater obstruction such as a reef or rising seabed, such as the Portland Race.

In extreme cases, such as Skookumchuck Narrows in British Columbia, through which tides can travel at more than 17 knots, very large whirlpools form which are extreme hazards to navigation.

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