Citation

Dalrymple RA, MacMahan JH, Reniers AJHM, Nelko V. Annu. Rev. Fluid Mech. 2011; 43(1): 551-581.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2011, Annual Reviews)

DOI

10.1146/annurev-fluid-122109-160733

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Rip currents are fast-moving flows, traveling "outward almost at right angles to the shore" (Shepard 1936), creating a natural hazard for beachgoers, who suddenly find themselves in deep water. Field measurements and instrumentation, laboratory techniques, and numerical modeling have improved with time, enabling a more complete description of rip currents now. Surprisingly, there are many types of rip currents that can occur on beaches, and these currents are created by a wide variety of mechanisms that are presented here, along with numerical, physical, or field validation. We also show the potential for prediction schemes for use by lifeguards and beach managers.