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- When big waves break on the beach, a large uprush and backwash of water and sand are generated; this seaward-flowing water/sand mixture is pulled strongly into the next breaking wave. Beachgoers feel like they are being sucked underwater when the wave breaks over their head - this is an undertow.
www.surfertoday.com › surfing › the-differences-between-rip-currents-undertows-and-rip-tidesThe differences between rip currents, undertows and rip tides
Beachgoers feel like they are being sucked underwater when the wave breaks over their head - this is an undertow. Bathers will tumble around roughly, but this return flow only goes a short distance to the next breaking wave. It will not pull you offshore into deep water.
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What is Undertow in oceanography?
What does Undertow mean?
In physical oceanography, undertow is the undercurrent that moves offshore while waves approach the shore. Undertow is a natural and universal feature for almost any large body of water; it is a return flow compensating for the onshore-directed average transport of water by the waves in the zone above the wave troughs.
Undertow, a strong seaward bottom current returning the water of broken waves back out to sea. There is in fact no such current in a gross sense, for the overall flow of surface water toward the shore in a surf zone is very small. The water actually thrown up on the shore by breaking waves does.
- The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
Undertows are caused by big waves breaking on the beach and creating a mixture of wave and sand that is sent into the next breaking wave. The waves break over the heads of swimmers and surfers and they may feel like they are being rocked by the backwash flow.
Oct 28, 2023 · In this blog post, we’ll dive deep into the topic of undertows and give you all the information you need to know to stay safe in the water. From understanding the difference between undertows and rip currents to learning how to escape their grasp, we’ve got you covered.
Undertow: A scientific term used to describe the seaward return of water close to the bottom surface that is driven by breaking waves. Often referred to as bed return flow. Undertow is often mistakenly used to describe rip currents. It is also often associated with the strong backwash after breaking waves.
Jul 23, 2024 · Undertows are the return flow, carrying water beneath the wave troughs back out to sea. Their speed can vary but generally remains slower compared to surface currents, typically ranging from 3 to 10 cm/s. Gravity plays a key role in the movement of the backwash.
