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rip current |
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rip currentor riptideNarrow, jetlike stream of water that flows sporadically seaward for several minutes, in a direction perpendicular to a beach. The term riptide is a misnomer because the currents are in no way related to tides. Rip currents form at long coasts that are approached by wave trains that are nearly parallel to the shoreline. In shallow water, normal wave motion displaces the water small distances shoreward with each passing wave. During periods of large waves, water builds up at the beach and cannot escape as longshore currents, which require oblique wave approach. The buildup continues until water can escape by surging for several minutes through a low point in a breaker, creating an undertow that can be dangerous for swimmers. rip current [′rip ‚kə·rənt] (oceanography) The return flow of water piled up on shore by incoming waves and wind. How to thank TFD for its existence? Tell a friend about us, add a link to this page, add the site to iGoogle, or visit webmaster's page for free fun content. |
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Rip currents, which are currents flowing at the surface of the water, exit through weaknesses in surface waves. In Los Angeles and Ventura counties, surf could crest up to 9 feet on west-facing beaches, with a high potential for rip currents all along the coast. Rip currents are often incorrectly referred to as riptides or undertow. |
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