FLUX

, in Hydrography, a regular and periodical motion of the sea, happening twice in 24 hours and 48 minutes, nearly; in which time the water is raised, and driven violently against the shores. The Flux, or Flow, | is one of the motions of the tide: the other, by which the water sinks and retires, being called the Reflux, or Ebb. See Tide.

Between the Flux and Reflux there is a kind of rest or cessation, of about half an hour; during which time the water is at its greatest height, called High-water.

The Flux of the sea follows chiefly the course of the moon; and is always highest and greatest at new and full moons, particularly near the time of the equinoxes. In some parts, as at Mount St. Michael, it rises 80 or 90 feet, though in the open sea it never rises above a foot or two; and in some places, as about the Morea, there is no flux at all. It runs up some rivers above 120 miles: though up the river Thames it goes only about 80, viz, near to Kingston in Surry. Above London-bridge, the water flows 4 hours, and ebbs 8; and below the bridge, it flows 5 hours, and ebbs 7.