Difference between revisions of "Undertow"
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| − | *[ | + | *[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/19th_century 1817] |
==Definitions== | ==Definitions== | ||
*1: the current beneath the [[surface]] that sets seaward or along the beach when [[waves]] are breaking upon the shore | *1: the current beneath the [[surface]] that sets seaward or along the beach when [[waves]] are breaking upon the shore | ||
*2: an underlying current, [[force]], or tendency that is in [[opposition]] to what is apparent | *2: an underlying current, [[force]], or tendency that is in [[opposition]] to what is apparent | ||
==Description== | ==Description== | ||
| − | '''Undertow''' is a subsurface [[flow]] of [[water]] returning seaward from shore as result of [[wave]] action. This type of shore current can play a role in material deposition such as creating [ | + | '''Undertow''' is a subsurface [[flow]] of [[water]] returning seaward from shore as result of [[wave]] action. This type of shore current can play a role in material deposition such as creating [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sand_bar sand bars]. |
| − | Undertows are below-surface rushes of water returning to [[sea]] after the water comes ashore as breaking [[waves]]. If there is an area under the waves where water can [[flow]] back out to sea more easily (such as a break in a sand bar) then a narrow [ | + | Undertows are below-surface rushes of water returning to [[sea]] after the water comes ashore as breaking [[waves]]. If there is an area under the waves where water can [[flow]] back out to sea more easily (such as a break in a sand bar) then a narrow [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rip_current rip current] can form. (A rip current is much more [[powerful]] and thus more [[hazardous]] to inexperienced people than ordinary undertow.) If however there is no [[weak]] point in the surf line, then the water that has run up onto the beach simply [[flows]] back out to sea under the waves, forming a simple undertow. |
| − | There is a popular misconception that the undertow is responsible for many [ | + | There is a popular misconception that the undertow is responsible for many [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drowning drownings] by somehow pulling people vertically down, so that they are then held under the water [[surface]]. While people can drown in any body of [[water]], even a puddle, undertow itself is relatively harmless; the great [[majority]] of drownings near the beach happen because people get caught in a [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rip_current rip current] which draws them out to [[sea]], and they are either poor swimmers or do not [[understand]] how to [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rip_current#Escaping_a_rip_current get free from a rip current]. |
[[Category: General Reference]] | [[Category: General Reference]] | ||
Latest revision as of 02:41, 13 December 2020
Definitions
- 1: the current beneath the surface that sets seaward or along the beach when waves are breaking upon the shore
- 2: an underlying current, force, or tendency that is in opposition to what is apparent
Description
Undertow is a subsurface flow of water returning seaward from shore as result of wave action. This type of shore current can play a role in material deposition such as creating sand bars.
Undertows are below-surface rushes of water returning to sea after the water comes ashore as breaking waves. If there is an area under the waves where water can flow back out to sea more easily (such as a break in a sand bar) then a narrow rip current can form. (A rip current is much more powerful and thus more hazardous to inexperienced people than ordinary undertow.) If however there is no weak point in the surf line, then the water that has run up onto the beach simply flows back out to sea under the waves, forming a simple undertow.
There is a popular misconception that the undertow is responsible for many drownings by somehow pulling people vertically down, so that they are then held under the water surface. While people can drown in any body of water, even a puddle, undertow itself is relatively harmless; the great majority of drownings near the beach happen because people get caught in a rip current which draws them out to sea, and they are either poor swimmers or do not understand how to get free from a rip current.
