[Phys-L] Re: water outflow (was earthquake)

[plohstreter at MAIL.HOCKADAY.ORG (Pete Lohstreter)]

Forum for Physics Educators <PHYS-L@list1.ucc.nau.edu> on Tuesday,
December 28, 2004 at 11:24 AM -0600 wrote:
> Eyewitness beach accounts described the water rapidly
> receding prior to the arrival of the first wave. This
> is also local lore in other places that have
> experienced tidal waves. What mechanism is responsible
> for this "outflow"? John Barrere  University High

I attribute it mostly to surface tension (cohesion). As the wave starts
rising as it approaches shore, it pulls the water near the shore toward
the center of the bulge.

Other factors may be in play, but I expect this is the major factor.


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