Can the Ocean Push a River Backward?

What Crafty Clover says in this video

Intro

Hi there, curious minds! I'm Crafty Clover! Let's discover something amazing. Can the ocean push a river backward?

The Big Idea

Yes, the ocean can push a river backward, near the coast! When the tide comes in, the sea pushes up into the river mouth. In some places, that makes the river run backward for a while.

The Tide Comes In

Step one: the tide comes in. Tides are the daily rise and fall of the sea, pulled by the Moon. When the tide comes in, the sea pushes into the river mouth.

The River Reverses

Step two: the river reverses. In some places, the tide makes the river run backward for a while. At the Reversing Falls in Saint John, New Brunswick, the tide flips the river's flow twice a day.

Tidal Bore

Step three: a tidal bore. In a few rivers, a wall of water called a tidal bore rolls upstream. Bores are exciting to watch, but only from a safe place with a grown-up.

A Closer Look

Let's take a closer look! The Moon's pull helps make tides. At high tide, the sea pushes into the river. The river may flow backward for a while. At low tide, the river flows out to sea again.

Quick Facts

Quick facts! The Bay of Fundy has some of the highest tides in the world. It is in eastern Canada, between New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. Its giant tides lift and drop the sea by many feet. Watch tides from a viewing area with a grown-up.

Think Like a Scientist

Now, think like a scientist! Draw a river meeting the sea at high tide. Draw it again at low tide. Use arrows to show which way the water flows. Then explain your drawing to a grown-up!

Outro

The sea can push a river backward. Science is amazing! Crafty Clover can be found on Amazon Books, Google Bookstore, and Apple Books. Available for purchase or download! Bye for now!