188 WAVES OF THE SEA 



'Here, therefore, we have a case in which the 

 circumstances appear to show the operation of the 

 high level of the inflowing tidal current to be pre- 

 dominant against the other factors of 'longshore 

 transport . 



With regard to the velocities attained by the 

 tidal currents on our coasts, I am not aware that 

 it is possible to declare that those during the in- 

 flowing tidal current are, on the whole, either 

 greater or less than those of the outflowing tide, 

 although it would probably not be difficult to cite 

 local cases on both sides. 



There remains a peculiarity of the inflowing tidal 

 current, or part of it, which presumably assists in 

 the transport of shingle. This has been pointed 

 out by Mr. W. H. Wheeler, who says that the 

 flood tide comes along in wavelets of its own 

 making, whereas the waters of the ebb tide are 

 essentially calm. 



I have on one or two occasions noticed the 

 effect in a narrow channel and on tidal rivers 

 during the inflowing current. I do not know if it 

 lasts during the whole period of the inflowing 

 current, or if it only continues while the level of 

 the water is rising. I do not think we have proofs 

 as yet that the amount of transport due to this 

 cause is considerable. 



