Rip Currents: Forecasting

Description

This is the third and final part in a training series on rip currents. The topic of forecasting daily rip current risk can be explored by operational forecasters, many of whom do not have a physical oceanography background. The hazards of rip currents and a review of the factors that contribute to rip current development are discussed. To demonstrate the process of a rip current forecast and as an example of what can locally be developed at the user’s station, the module presents a rip current worksheet that is used operationally at some forecast offices. Various parts of this worksheet require the use of observed data and model output. These resources range from NOS Detailed Wave Summary reports to NOAA WAVEWATCH III model polar plots of wave spectral energy. The usage of these products in terms of rip current forecasting using the worksheet is explained in detail. In particular, the issue of “wave masking” in the 2-D model plots is illustrated. In order to practice with the products presented, the user is provided two cases (East and West Coasts). Other factors discussed include tide and lake levels as well as situational awareness. Lastly, a summary of important points from the module and experienced forecast offices is provided. Users are encouraged to examine the state of their office’s rip current program and develop a plan for improvement based on concepts and ideas presented in this module.

Creator: COMET
Publisher: COMET
Last Updated: 10/11/2014

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33 Keywords

Atmospheric science wave period wave wave spectral density spectral text bulletins scatterometry National Data Buoy Center buoy lake level swell rip current risk rip current program Great Lakes NDBC wave model situational awareness rip current forecast tide seiche WAVEWATCH III NSDL Geoscience current Physics NWW3 polar plot masking rip current Higher Education spectral plot rip current worksheet wave masking wind waves
#Atmosphericscience #waveperiod #wave #wavespectraldensity #spectraltextbulletins #scatterometry #NationalDataBuoyCenter #buoy #lakelevel #swell #ripcurrentrisk #ripcurrentprogram #GreatLakes #NDBC #wavemodel #situationalawareness #ripcurrentforecast #tide #seiche #WAVEWATCHIII #NSDL #Geoscience #current #Physics #NWW3 #polarplot #masking #ripcurrent #HigherEducation #spectralplot #ripcurrentworksheet #wavemasking #windwaves

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