Posted by John Lambert on August 12, 2000 at 23:24:51 from dialin-42-89.vancouver.primus.ca:
In Reply to: Curious sight near the Pyefleet Channel posted by Dave W on August 12, 2000 at 09:57:16:
Dear Dave W,
What you witnessed was the famous Pyefleet Effect. This is caused by an
inverse flux of aqeuous vapour with a specific gravity of less than
0.01 when the sea temperature reaches precisely 13.67 degrees C. It
occurs at Pyefleet in the summer months and some other places throughout
the world, notably Kangaroo Island, S.A. Australia, the south coast of
Hainan and in the Symour Narrows off the coast of British Columbia.
First noted in the 1360's, the Pyefleet Effect was attributed to evil
spirits dancing on the waters. Seamen observed from the shore sailing
through the Effect from the shore were thought to be possessed and on
their landing, were forcibly measured to determine if they were taller
than usual. Seamen over the height of 5 foot eight inches were summarily
executed by burning at the stake. This practice was ruled illegal by
the controversial Pyefleet Law enacted in 1667.