Fury of the Sea
Thunder Hole is one of the most popular attractions along the Park Loop Road in Acadia National Park. It is a narrow channel slowly being carved into the granite cliffs by the action of the surf. At the end of the channel is a cave that is slightly higher than the channel itself. As the sea recedes air that was trapped in the cave is released and creates a booming sound, like thunder. On calm days the thunder is barely noticeable. Most people only hear a gurgling sound as the water rushes in and out of the channel, and the surf against the cliff wall is minimal. But on stormy days, and when there is a storm at sea, the "thunder" is loud and the power of the sea is clearly evident. On the morning of Tuesday, September 21, 2010 Hurricane Igor was passing by the Acadia coast, on its way to Newfoundland. Even though the storm was far out on the ocean it created a truly awesome sight at Thunder Hole, and the power and danger of sea and surf was breathtaking. I was sitting high up on the rocks opposite Thunder Hole when I took this photo.
Under normal conditions people are allowed to walk on the paved walkway to look directly into the channel. But when the surf is raging all access in blocked off, for obvious reasons. On this day the spray of water and foam exceeded 40 feet. Acadia National Park, Maine.
Fury of the Sea
Thunder Hole is one of the most popular attractions along the Park Loop Road in Acadia National Park. It is a narrow channel slowly being carved into the granite cliffs by the action of the surf. At the end of the channel is a cave that is slightly higher than the channel itself. As the sea recedes air that was trapped in the cave is released and creates a booming sound, like thunder. On calm days the thunder is barely noticeable. Most people only hear a gurgling sound as the water rushes in and out of the channel, and the surf against the cliff wall is minimal. But on stormy days, and when there is a storm at sea, the "thunder" is loud and the power of the sea is clearly evident. On the morning of Tuesday, September 21, 2010 Hurricane Igor was passing by the Acadia coast, on its way to Newfoundland. Even though the storm was far out on the ocean it created a truly awesome sight at Thunder Hole, and the power and danger of sea and surf was breathtaking. I was sitting high up on the rocks opposite Thunder Hole when I took this photo.
Under normal conditions people are allowed to walk on the paved walkway to look directly into the channel. But when the surf is raging all access in blocked off, for obvious reasons. On this day the spray of water and foam exceeded 40 feet. Acadia National Park, Maine.