As with all Earth Caches: You are visiting a special environment area. Therefore we have the request, that you are careful to nature. That is the only way to protect our nature for the next generations. Also please take care of you by walking down to the beach and be careful at the cliff edge. Thank you!
Burncoat Head is located at the Minas Basin in the Bay of Fundy and an unique place in the world. This place is home of the world´s highest tides - in average 14.2 meters (47.5 feet). Direct ahead the coast line is a little island. Long time ago a narrow neck of land connected Burncoat Head to the mainland. Between this island and the mainland was the old lighthouse. This lighthouse was built in the year 1858. Over time, the tides eroded this narrow neck. At this time the old lighthouse could only be reached difficulty climb by ladder. In 1913 happened what must be happen - the old lighthouse torn down to the ocean. The old lighthouse would replaced at the mainland. More information about Burncoat Head and the lighthouse you can find in the internet. In the new lighthouse is a exhibition with informations about Burncoat Head. The lighthouse is open from 15. May until 15. September. At the low tide you can walk at the ocean ground and look for very interesting things like fossils, shells and rock formations. Here you find the tide times.
The Bay of Fundy is between the Canadian provinces of Nova Scotia and New Brunswick in the Gulf of Maine with a length of 220 km and a width of 60 kilometers. Daily flow a lot of seawater into the Bay of Fundy. By estimations 100 - 115 billion tonnes of water flow into the basin during one tide cycle, which is more water than the combined flow of the world´s rivers with freshwater. One tide cycle is 12 hours and 25 minutes.
The Canadian Hydrographic Service finally declared it a statistical tie, with measurements 17 meters (55.8 feet) tidal range at Burncoat Head for the Bay of Fundy. The highest water level ever recorded in the Bay of Fundy system occurred at the head of the Minas Basin on the night of 4-5 October in 1869 during a tropical cyclone named the “Saxby Gale”. The water level of 21.6 meters (70.9 feet) resulted from the combination of high winds, abnormally low atmospheric pressure and a spring tide.
But what happen and how work the tide?
On Earth, gravity causes that people remain on the ground and are not weightless, as in space. But gravity also causes against moon and earth attract each other. This attraction has an effect mainly on the water of the oceans. The force of gravity causes the sea is attracted to the moon facing the earth side of the moon. This attraction is so strong that it makes itself felt weak on the opposite side of the earth. Actually, the water on the moon opposite side would have to also be attracted by the moon - and there would arise ebb. The amazing thing: Just the opposite is the case! When there is high tide on the side facing the moon, then there is also on the side facing away from moon flood! Why this is so is controversial among scientists. In most cases, this phenomenon is explained by the so-called centrifugal force. Since the centrifugal force on the moon opposite side is stronger than the pull of the moon, here goes the water level not back, but increases - and flood occurs.
To claim this cache you have to answer only two tasks - you have the choice which. But we will be glad, if you answer all tasks. Please send your answers only via email. Please feel free to log this cache instantly. If something not OK, we will contact you.
First task
Go to the look out (N 45°18.698 W 063°48.325) and look for the water. At which time you was there and where was the water at this time? Estimate the distance between the look out and the current water line. At low tide you can make a nice walk at the ocean ground and maybe walking to the water line to measure the distance with your GPS.
Second task
Take the trailhead (N 45°18.668 W 063°48.419) and go downstairs to the beach. Directly at the end from the stair is a platform of rock with some little hollows in that. If the hollows are filled with water, proof whether all hollows are filled with salty water from the last high tide or maybe freshwater from the last rainshower? Is there different water in any of the lowest and in any of the highest pools? Be not afraid - we have taste it and still living!
Third task
You are still standing on the platform of rock. Look straight ahead and you will see the little island. Long time ago was a narrow neck between the mainland and the island. Estimate the distance between the lowest step of the stair and the island. Tell us what happened with the narrow neck?
Fourth and last task
Now you know a lot about the tides. How many hours past from low tide until high tide?
This geocache is part of the Gulf of Maine Council Geotour across Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Maine, New Hampshire and Massachusetts. You can earn a limited edition geocoin for accumulating 100 points in the tour. Details for the geotour can be found at the GOMC website. To play, download the full geotour passport.