Rip Current Diagram. A classic example of sandbars and thus surf zones alternating with rip currents at the cornish beach of porthtowan. Rips are complex can quickly change shape and location and at times are difficult to see.
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Rip currents can occur in areas with hard bottom rocky or soft bottom sand or silt beach topography. Rip currents are formed by a beach s topography. Rip currents can move at a pretty good speed often 5 miles per hour 8 kph or faster.
Rip currents are powerful narrow channels of fast moving water that are prevalent along the east gulf and west coasts of the u s as well as along the shores of the great lakes.
Rip currents are easier to see at an elevated position like a dune line or beach access and then look for places where waves aren t breaking so flat spots in the line of breaking waves. Spotting a rip current can be difficult and really needs some practice. Rip currents can occur in areas with hard bottom rocky or soft bottom sand or silt beach topography. P p moving at speeds of up to eight feet per second rip currents can move faster than an olympic swimmer.
