Surface Patterns Reveal Water Depth
Whenever waves meet shallow water, the patterns change. We can use these new patterns as clues to the depth of water. It doesn’t matter the…
Tag: nautical
The Colour and Shape of Navigation Marks
Most navigators, even inexperienced ones, learn that colours are important when trying to identify navigation marks at sea. And most people also know that there…
What is a ‘Drying Height’ on a Chart?
The definition of a drying height: “The drying height is the vertical distance of the seabed that is exposed by the tide, above the sea water level at the lowest astronomical tide.” But this…
Transit Lines
My favourite signs always combine simplicity, elegance and practicality. They are often so effective that technology can’t improve on them. Cats’ Paws, the ruffled patterns…
How to Read Water
Clues & Patterns from Puddles to the Sea A New York Times Bestseller. A Sunday Times “Must Read” book. A must-have book for walkers, sailors,…
Wayfinding with the Polynesian Voyaging Society
Something a little different today – a guest blog. I am very grateful to Hye Jung Kim and all the team at Project Wayfinder for…
How to Read Wave Patterns at the Coast
I took this photo from the South West Coast Path in the Isle of Purbeck, Dorset, a few days ago. In it we can see…
What is a Slick Line?
Slick lines form on water when a very thin layer of oil spreads out across the water. The oil dampens ripples creating calmer patches. Over…
Tidal Streams and Tidal currents
Some Thoughts on the difference between the terms ‘Tidal Streams’ and ‘Tidal Currents’ In the chapter, Currents and Tides, in my book, How to Read Water,…
The Colour of the Sea as a Map
For thousands of years, sailors have used the colour of the sea to help them make sense of the waters they travelled through. In many…
Astronavigating with the BBC
UPDATE: The piece I did with Mark Thompson was broadcast on BBC Stargazing Live on BBC2 last night. It will be available on iPlayer for…