Slide 6 of 21
Notes:
- Each beach has its own unique current system. The system set up by the character of the surf in conjunction with the hydrographic conditions may be beneficial or detrimental to the safe and effective execution of the assault and subsequent logistics operations.
- Coastal Current - generally, a coastal extension of an ocean current, such as the Gulf Stream.
- Rip Current - set up by the return flow of water that is transported from the open ocean to the beach. Their strength is unpredictable.
- Longshore Current - runs parallel to the coastline, and feeds water into the rip current. Longshore currents increase in velocity as the surf height OR angle to the beach increases. This current is an important factor as boats approach and retract from the beach face, as the current tends to turn the stern of the craft as the bow is still grounded on the beach.
- Rip Feeders - longshore currents that provide the exit for the backrush into the rip current.
