Thunder Hole (Acadia National Park, Maine)

Nothing symbolizes the power of Acadia National Park as much as Thunder Hole does. When the right size wave rolls into the naturally formed inlet, a deep thunderous sound emanates. The cause is a small cavern formed low, just beneath the surface of the water. When the wave pulls back just before lunging forward, it dips the water just below the ceiling of the cavern allowing air to enter. When the wave arrives full force, it collides with the air, forcing it out, resulting in a sound like distant thunder. Water may splash into the air as high as 40 feet with a roar ! This is a beautiful spot to view some of the most striking features within Acadia. Northward is Sand Beach and the Great Head to the right. Southward is the majestic 110 foot high Otter Cliff, one of the highest headlands north of Rio de Janeiro. Thunder Hole is just past Sand Beach while traveling south on the Park Loop Road. The Island Explorer Shuttle Bus stops here about every half hour during normal seasonal daytime hours.
Thunder Hole GPS: Latitude 44.321011; Longitude -68.189330 [Source: www.acadia.ws/thunder-hole.htm]

Thunder Hole is the place in Acadia National Park to experience the thunder of the sea against the rocky shores of Maine! On calm days you may wonder what the fuss is all about. But wait until the waves kick up a few notches. Thunder Hole is a small inlet, naturally carved out of the rocks, where the waves roll into. At the end of this inlet, down low, is a small cavern where, when the rush of the wave arrives, air and water is forced out like a clap of distant thunder. Water may spout as high as 40 feet with a thunderous roar! Hence the name: Thunder Hole. [Source: www.acadiamagic.com/ThunderHole.html]

Thunder Hole got its name because of the loud sound that waves sometimes make when rolling into the little inlet. This happens because, down low, there is an area worn out of the granite, that goes deeper into the side of the cliff than it appears it does from above. When the wave rushes in, air is sometimes trapped by the force of the wave, creating pressure and then finally releasing the air, with the wave slapping against the little cavern's walls. It has a deep sound, almost like the deepness of distant thunder. It is kind of like the effect you get when you cup your hands as you clap them together. Thunder Hole location in Acadia National ParkThis is a popular spot for visitors wanting to hear the loud “thunder” sound. The fact is that, it does not happen all of the time. It depends on several things such as the roughness of the seas, the size of the wave, and the level of the tide. When seas are rough at a high tide, the splash from the wave rushing into Thunder Hole's inlet can reach over 40 feet high. At times like this, it can be dangerous being too close. A larger than normal wave can happen unexpectedly, catching one off guard. If there is a high pressure zone in the Gulf of Maine, this place can be very dangerous. An example is when Hurricane Bill was way out to sea. The weather was not stormy but the waves were dangerously high because they can travel great distances while maintaining their power. And, this, is not released until the wave gets closer to shore at the shallower depths. The message? Be aware of the ocean waves, where you are relative to them, and know if storm fronts are near. Also, always understand that rocks can be slippery when wet. They also can have tiny pieces of rock and sand that can act like tiny marbles when stepped on. Out from under you goes the feet and down you go ! Still, this is one gorgeous spot for spectacular views and photography. Thunder Hole is located on the eastern coast of Acadia National Park on Mount Desert Island. To the north (left) within sight is Sand Beach and Great Head. To the south (right) is Otter Cliff. Being on the east coast, this is the place to be for sunrises. [Source: www.barharbormagic.com/acadia/thunder-hole.html]

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Taken in: United States / Maine / Hancock (show map)

Taken on: September 7, 2016

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Camera: Nikon D800, f/8.0, 1/400 sec, 28mm, ISO 200 (more info) (hide info)

Camera:	Nikon D800
Lens:	28.0-300.0 mm f/3.5-5.6
Aperture:	f/8.0
Exposure Time:	0.003 sec (1/400)
Focal Length:	28mm
ISO:	200
Exposure Bias:	-1 EV
Flash:	Off, Did not fire
Exposure Program:	Manual
Exposure Mode:	Manual
Metering Mode:	Multi-segment
White Balance:	Manual
Light Source:	Daylight
Sharpness:	Hard
Color Space:	sRGB
Software:	Microsoft Pro Photo Tools
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