Tidal island facts for kids
A tidal island is a piece of land that is connected to the mainland by a path that appears and disappears with the tide. At low tide, you can often walk to the island on a natural strip of land called an isthmus or a man-made path called a causeway. But when the tide is high, the water rises and covers the path, turning the land into a true island.
For centuries, people have been fascinated by these magical-seeming places. Because they were isolated and protected by the sea, many tidal islands became home to important religious sites, like monasteries, or strong castles. The changing tides provided a natural defense against enemies.
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How Do Tidal Islands Work?
The secret behind a tidal island is the ocean's tide. Tides are the regular rise and fall of the sea level. They are mainly caused by the gravitational pull of the Moon and, to a lesser extent, the Sun.
- Low Tide: When the sea level is at its lowest point, the land bridge connecting the island to the mainland is exposed. This is usually the only time it is safe to cross on foot or by car.
- High Tide: When the sea level rises to its highest point, the path is completely underwater. The island is then cut off from the mainland until the tide goes out again.
This cycle happens about twice a day in most places. It's very important for visitors to know the tide times so they don't get stranded!
Famous Tidal Islands Around the World
There are hundreds of tidal islands all over the globe. Here are a few of the most well-known examples.
Mont-Saint-Michel in France
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Perhaps the most famous tidal island is Mont-Saint-Michel in Normandy, France. This stunning island is topped by a beautiful abbey that was built over 1,000 years ago. For centuries, pilgrims had to bravely cross the sand flats at low tide to reach it. Today, a modern bridge allows for safer access, but the island is still surrounded by water during the highest tides.
St Michael's Mount in England
Across the English Channel in Cornwall, England, is St Michael's Mount. It looks very similar to its French cousin. It has a historic castle and a small village on its slopes. At low tide, a stone causeway appears from the sea, allowing people to walk from the town of Marazion to the island.
Lindisfarne in England
Also known as Holy Island, Lindisfarne in Northumberland, England, has a rich history. It was an important center of early Christianity and the site of a famous monastery. The island is connected to the mainland by a paved causeway that is covered by the North Sea at high tide. Signs warn drivers of the safe crossing times.
Jindo and Modo Islands in South Korea
In South Korea, a natural event creates a temporary causeway between Jindo Island and Modo Island once or twice a year. The sea parts for about an hour, revealing a 2.8-kilometer-long path. This "miracle" is celebrated with a large festival that attracts visitors from all over the world who come to walk across the sea.
Bar Island in the United States
Located in Acadia National Park in Maine, Bar Island is a fun place to explore. For a few hours around low tide, a wide gravel bar appears, connecting the island to the town of Bar Harbor. Visitors can walk across to hike on the island's trails, but they must watch the time to make sure they can get back before the tide comes in.
Images for kids
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Cramond Island in Scotland. At high tide, the causeway is underwater, but you can still see the pylons built to stop boats.
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Rough Island in Scotland can be reached by a causeway of sand and shells at low tide.
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Worm's Head at the end of the Gower Peninsula in Wales is a tidal island shaped like a sleeping dragon.
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Gunns Island in Northern Ireland is connected to the mainland at low tide.
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Rangitoto Island in New Zealand is connected to another island, Motutapu, at low tide.
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