TIDAL VARIATION IN THE SHATT AL ARAB

Seasonal variations in river levels occur in the Shatt Al Arab which affect high and low water equally. These are as follows:- Al Basrah +0.7 metres in May, June and July, -0.4 metres in October and November. Outer Bar +0.1 metres from July to September, -0.1 metres from January to April. In addition, the direction of the wind also has considerable affect on water levels in the river. A heavy Kaus (SE wind) will raise the level of the water by 0.6 to 0.9 metres, causing a higher high water and higher low water; it will also accelerate the time of high water. A strong Shamal (NW wind) will lower the level of the river so that, at low water, the tide may fall below the zero of the tide gauge. For further information please refer to ADMIRALTY Tide Tables and ADMIRALTY Sailing Directions.