Named Channels and Harbors
Channels with strong tidal currents, known locally as holes, separate the islands from each other and the mainland. Currents of up to 6 knots (11 km/h) are driven by the different sizes and filling rates of Vineyard Sound to the southeast and Buzzard's Bay to the northwest. At high tide, water flows from Buzzards Bay to the Vineyard Sound. Near mid-tide the water stops and reverses, filling the Bay at low tide.
Listed in order away from Falmouth, the named channels are:
- Woods Hole separating the mainland from Nonamesset Island
- Robinson Hole between Naushon Island and Pasque Island
- Quick's Hole between Pasque Island and Nashawena Island
- Canapitsit Channel between Nashawena Island and Cuttyhunk Island.
Cuttyhunk Harbor is sheltered on its east by Nashawena Island on its west by Cuttyhunk Island and on its north by Penikese Island.
Read more about this topic: Elizabeth Islands
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