60 Second Science 27 The Power of Flowing Water

** 60 SECOND SCIENCE ** The Power of Flowing Water
As we reach the end of the northern hemisphere's meteorological summer, and a summer that's been exceptionally dry in many parts of the UK, the first of the autumn storms has already arrived, bringing with it significant amounts of rain. The problem with heavy rain, particularly when the ground is dry, is flooding. Heavy rain in upland areas can cause rivers to burst their banks and flood roads.

It's tempting to try to cross flowing water when it looks shallow, and a few years back, one of the UK bike magazines included an article by a rider with a lot of overlanding experience, who claimed it was safe.

My advice at the time was don't attempt it, and find another route. Apart from the fact that you have no idea what's hidden under the water, the current created by flowing water, even when it's shallow, is surprisingly strong. Much bigger and heavier vehicles than motorcycles DO get caught up and washed away.

And if the water is fast-flowing, it's no contest. The water WILL win. Here's a video that appeared online recently showing motorcycles having their wheels washed out from under when an exceptionally large wave broke over the sea defences, flooding the road surface, and knocking the bikers flat.

It's not surprising that after the wave broke, the water was still a few inches deep but the pressure was still sufficient to wash the bikes and riders away.

What kind of force does 5cm - a hands-breadth - of moderately fast flowing water create? If it's moving at just 2–3 m/s, the pressure can deliver ~100–400 N of push on the tyres - plenty to wash the wheels out and tip the bike over on its side.

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VIDEO CREDITS
Video redistributed under 'fair use / fair dealing' copyright terms:
use for criticism / review

PHOTO CREDITS
wobogre, Levi Meir Clancy, distelAPPArath, Hermann

MUSIC CREDIT
King Around Here / Alex Grohl
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