At first thought, the idea of a reversing waterfall sounds preposterous. That is because we think first of water falling over the edge of a cliff as at Niagara. Instead think of a cliff think of a wall, or an obstruction in a place were tidal currents reverse directions. See my sketch below. It's pretty simple; no magic is required.
In places like the Bay of Fundy or Maine's Downeast, there is not just one but many reversing waterfalls. Libby and I visited one in Cobscook Bay. It was great fun to watch. Part of the fun was because a dozen or so harbor seals were frolicking on the downstream side. Presumably they find fishing easy there.
We visited this place twice. The first time, we arrived just before high tide and we saw the waterfall disappear and the tidal flow stop and reverse. The second time, the outgoing tide was in full force.
As sailing cruisers, Libby and I were freaked out by the speed of the currents. We imagine ourselves in Tarwathie at this place. We would be in grave danger if we were because the currents were much too swift to handle. Watch the video below, that I took on the second visit.
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Looks like a great place for hydropower.
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