The Largest Tides in the World

In this lesson, you will explore the Bay of Fundy and discover why it has the largest tides in the world. Learn how its long, narrow shape and natural resonance cause water to rise and fall dramatically each day. Investigate how these extreme tides create unique habitats and how animals like birds, fish, and intertidal species have adapted to survive. You will also learn how humans use and are affected by these powerful tides through activities like fishing, shipping, and tidal energy generation.

Get to Know the Bay of Fundy:

The Bay of Fundy, located between New Brunswick and Nova Scotia in Canada, is famous for having the largest tidal range in the world. This means the difference between high tide and low tide can be as much as 16 meters or over 50 feet! The tides here are so extreme that they dramatically change the coastline every day, exposing vast mudflats and rocky shores at low tide and covering them completely at high tide.

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Why the Tides Are So Extreme:

The Bay of Fundy’s enormous tides are caused by a combination of its shape and a natural process called tidal resonance. Resonance happens when the water in the bay moves back and forth at the same timing as the ocean tides, which makes the tides even bigger. The bay is long and narrow, so the water “sloshes” like in a bathtub, making the rise and fall of the tides very dramatic.

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Effects on the Environment:

The huge tidal changes create a dynamic habitat for many species. Mudflats exposed at low tide are rich feeding grounds for birds and small animals. Intertidal organisms like mussels, barnacles, and crabs have adapted to survive both underwater and exposed to the air. Fish and whales also use the tides for feeding and migration.

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Human Interaction:

People have used the Bay of Fundy's tides for centuries. Communities rely on it for fishing, shipping, and tidal energy projects. In fact, the extreme tides make it a prime location for tidal power generation, as moving water can be used to produce electricity sustainably.