what is a rip tide?
By Ritchelle
@Ritchelle (3790)
Philippines
April 14, 2009 4:32am CST
forgive the language barrier here and let us make a little something out of a simple combination of words. high tide and low tide are things i'm aware of. not so much with rip tide. what is it?
3 responses
@jwfarrimond (4473)
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14 Apr 09
To expand on the above, a rip tide is when the tidal flow is forced through a narrow channel. The current can sweep ships onto rocks and also give rise to whirlpools which are very dangerous. Also, if the tidal flow is forced to flow up a narrowing channel, you will not only get a rip tide but also a tidal bore. This when the water is moving so fast that it actually forms a standing wave which moves very fast up the channel. The tidal bore of the Severn estuary in England is well known.
1 person likes this
thank you for the information
@smacksman (6053)
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14 Apr 09
I have always thought of it as a strong current formed by the tide. Mainly caused by shallow water forcing the tidal flow through a channel which can then form overfalls or standing waves.
It is also what is called a strong current off a beach where swimmers can suddenly be caught in it and swept along the coast or our to sea. Very dangerous.
The word 'tide' is often used out of it's true definition, like tidal wave which should only be used in connection with a tidal bore and not a tsunami.
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