Menu Close

Key Information

Gulf of Corryvreckan

Type Narrow Strait, Whirlpool
Speed (of currents/whirlpool) 9.7 mph
Depth (of whilrpool) 860 ft

Learning Point

  • The Gulf of Corryvreckan is a narrow strait, or corridor of water, between the islands of Jura and Scarba, and is the home to strong currents, including several whirlpools. The biggest can cause small boats and divers to get trapped in the swirl. It is caused by the unique geography of the land underneath the water, which helps create a vortex.

Project

  • Draw a picture of the Corryvreckan whirlpools.
  • Overview
  • Jura and Scarba
Corryvreckan Whirlpool
Walter Baxter / The Corryvreckan Whirlpool
Jura and Scarba
CC BY-SA 2.0, Link

Location

Located in West coast of Scotland, United Kingdom

Fun Facts

  • The waves around the whirlpool are known to be up to 30 ft tall at times.
  • The flow downwards can cause objects to be pulled along the bottom of the gulf for a good distance.
  • The famous writer George Orwell was stranded on one of the smaller outcrops nearby after his boat became caught in the whirlpool.
  • The name Corryvreckan means “cauldron of the speckled seas” or “cauldron of the plaid“.

Past Lessons

107 April 1, 2024 (North America)
No Past Lessons

Upcoming Lessons

No Upcoming Lessons