The Tidal Bore of the Selune River, Mont Saint Michel Bay, France

摘要

Mont Saint Michel Bay (Baie du Mont Saint Michel) on the French side of the English Channel is known for Mont Saint Michel, its very large tidal range, and fast advancing flood tide. Three main rivers drain into the bay: the Couesnon, the Selune, and the See (Figure 1). The strong flows of the Couesnon and Selune rivers have strongly affected the hydrodynamics and sedimentology of the bay, as well as the access to Mont Saint Michel. Flow in the Couesnon River was controlled beginning in 1863, and has flowed west of Mont Saint Michel since. In the 1960s, the river was affected by the construction of a barrage to reduce salt intrusion in the catchment. The flow of the Selune River was controlled only after 1879 upon completion of a dike redirecting the river northwards. The river was further affected by the completion of two dams (La Roche Qui Boit and Vezins) in 1920 and 1931 respectively.