Lavernock Tide Musings

[AlistairM]

HI

I was wondering around the point the other evening, (Im not a regular visitor so this may be known to many) and I noticed an unusual tidal race/large overflows that I hadn't seen before.

Can someone offer a brief explanation as to what is happening to cause this behavior?

Thanks

 

[CaptainKingo]

Hi Alistair.

Off Lavernock point the area can experience tide flows of 6 knots due to our 13 metre tidal range, the funnelling effect of Lavernock to Flat Holm and the shallow area of the Ranny Spit.

See the "Wales-South Coast-Barry to Cardiff" section of http://www.visitmyharbour.com/harbours/bristol-channel/bristol-channel/expanded.asp for hazards in the area.

http://www.kayakaroundtheuk.co.uk/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/marine.jpg shows the green sections with drying heights off Lavernock.

- James

 

[tonybarebones]

They are caused by ledges that run out from the shore... I've seen a few boats on them over the years... keep outside of the Ranie Buoy is best... if you are moving in the direction of the tide and you are in rough water you've gone over them... the turbulence occurs after the obstruction... so there...

 

[Allan]

Another factor in that area can be the back eddies. The current turns along Penarth beach up to 2 hours before high tide Cardiff. There are also eddies down Sully front and inside Sully island. All theses add to the effects in those areas. The tides out there are fascinating!
Allan