Scientists from the National Center for Scientific Research of France and the University of Poitiers found an explanation for the phenomenon of "

It was first noticed in 1893 - ships following the course unexpectedly froze on the spot even with the engines running.

In this case, no external reasons for such a stop were observed - from the side it seemed that the water mass itself was somehow holding them, PNAS reports.

At the end of the 19th century, the Norwegian explorer Fridtjof Nansen experienced this strange phenomenon, setting off across the Arctic Ocean. His ship was “slowed down” by a mysterious force and could hardly maneuver, not to mention gaining speed.

Further studies showed that this happens when salt and fresh water mix - waves that arise at the boundary of these layers interact with the ship, creating drag.

It also turned out that there are two types of resistance. The first stops the movement, and the second causes fluctuations in the speed of the " The cause of the latter phenomenon remained unknown for a long time..

The authors of the new study tried to find the answer to this question using mathematical modeling and practical experiments on water.. It turned out that changes in speed are associated with the occurrence of specific waves along which the ship moves back and forth, as on a conveyor belt. But sooner or later he leaves this trap and reaches a stable speed.

Scientists have suggested that it was such a natural phenomenon that could have caused the death of Queen Cleopatra’s fleet at the Battle of Actium (31 BC). The large ships of Cleopatra met with the small ships of Octavian Augustus (the founder of the Roman Empire) and were defeated, although they were better equipped.

Perhaps the Bay of Aktium captured them in the "

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