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An aerial view of the grid-like tides. [Photo by Huang Qidong/tidenews.com.cn]

The 2024 Qiantang River Tidal Bore Scientific Expedition Press Conference held in Haining, a county-level city of Jiaxing, Zhejiang province, on Sept 18 revealed a groundbreaking discovery: the matrix tide.

The 2024 expedition began on Aug 21, with over 100 researchers conducting studies along the Qiantang River. They focused on tidal patterns and explored the tidal bores of its tributaries.

The Qiantang River tidal bore, known as "the world's most spectacular tide", has been studied for decades. Since the first scientific expedition in 2021, researchers have identified eight distinct types of tidal bores.

This year, researchers discovered the matrix tide near Liangjiadun Scenic Area in Haining. The matrix tide forms when two wave-like tides converge, creating a grid-like pattern. This phenomenon has been officially recognized as the ninth type of tidal bore in the Qiantang River. The formation is attributed to abundant water flow and variation in the speeds of the tides.

This year's expedition was marked by a number of technological advancements. Researchers deployed 90 scientific buoys equipped with advanced positioning systems, enabling detailed observations of the river's flow patterns and tidal bores in various locations.

The discovery of the matrix tide showcases the continued efforts and advancements in tidal bore research.