Hooghly River - Hugli Tidal Bore

Hugli Tidal Bore

The tide runs rapidly on the Hugli, and produces a remarkable example of the fluvial phenomenon known as a "tidal bore." This consists of the head-wave of the advancing tide, hemmed in where the estuary narrows suddenly into the river, and often exceeds 7 feet (2.1 m) in height. It is felt as high up as Calcutta, and frequently destroys small boats. The difference from the lowest point of low-water in the dry season to the highest point of high-water in the rains is reported to be 20 feet 10 inches (6.35 m). The greatest mean rise of tide, about 16 feet (4.9 m), takes place in March, April or May - with a declining range during the rainy season to a mean of 10 feet (3.0 m), and a minimum during freshets of 3 feet 6 inches (1.07 m).

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