 | ||
The baïne is a geographical phenomenon unique to the Aquitaine coast of France found in the departements of Gironde, Charente-Maritime and Landes. It takes the form of a small pool of water, parallel to the beach, directly connected to the sea. These are spaced every 300 to 400 metres and formed under the influence of waves and the tide.
When the tide is receding, they cause a very strong current out to sea. The current will vary depending on the height of the waves and the height of the tide. It is at its strongest and most dangerous, during the final hours approaching low tide and the first hours afterwards.
Development of a baïne
Baïnes appear the phenomenon of tide is strong, the sand fine, the beach flat with a strong swell. The swell moves the sand along the shore, interfering with current perpendicular to the beach. These currents prevail seaward the sandy bottom and digging pits visible at low tide of up to 100 meters wide and 4-5 meters deep. Each baïne has its own morphology and generates various forms of currents.