What is the danger of a leakage current

There are several types of ocean currents. Among them there are those that are perpendicular to the shore. The outflow current is formed during low tide, when the water in separate areas leaves at different rates. The phenomenon is not ubiquitous, but everyone can face it.

Peeling Current

This process can pose a threat to people at sea. To be afraid is shallow ponds with a shallow shore, framed by sandy scythes and skeletons. Natural obstacles do not allow water to smoothly escape from the shore.

The pressure of the liquid on the narrow passage, which connects the estuary with the ocean, is rapidly increasing. As a result, a ridge is formed, along which the water mass rushes away from the shore at a speed of up to 3 meters per second. On the surface of the water, the offshore current resembles a stormy river.

How to recognize

• A stream of water directed away from the shore.
• At the coastal zone the color of the water surface changes . For example, in the middle of the blue sea there is a white section.
• Foam, seaweed, air bubbles or something similar moves in the form of a jet perpendicular to the shoreline.
• Discontinuities in tidal waves, reaching a width of 5 to 10 m.

Each fifth offshore current in the ocean gives itself out as one of the listed features. In other cases, it is almost impossible to recognize spontaneous rip. Professionals-rescuers will cope with such a task, but ordinary tourists can not do it. Swimmers learn about the existence of the problem only after being pulled into a powerful invisible stream.

How to protect yourself

Bleeding current is the most dangerous among such phenomena. Once in the stream, beginning swimmers try to overcome it, and move towards the shore. They quickly end their strength, while the water continues to carry them further into the sea.

The offshore current on the Black Sea has a short length. The highest flow rate is observed at the surface, so all objects are not drawn under water, but are kept afloat. After getting into the jet, rescuers recommend not to resist, but wait until the flow rate decreases. After that, swim a short distance along the coast and move towards the land directly or at an angle. It is not recommended to swim between braids and islands, enclosing estuaries.

Coastal currents

Waves directed at an angle to the shoreline, contribute to the formation of coastal and lateral currents. Their speed is usually not higher than one node, but everything depends on the direction and height of the waves in each particular case.

The strength of this current is maximal in the surf zone, it is enough to carry the swimmer to dangerous rocks or simply in an uncomfortable place. Coastal water flows can be made at the bottom of the depression.

A discontinuous current is observed when the masses of water leave the sea. Large waves approaching the shore form surges that increase the water level. This current has a length of 30 to 1000 m. The strongest discontinuous flow is observed at the time of the absence of waves.

With increasing width of the surf line, the force of water movement from the shore increases. Disruptive currents cause most accidents when immersing divers. This type of water flow is divided into:

• Long, existing for a certain period of time. Most often from a couple of hours to two months. They arise as a result of changes in the relief of the seabed at the shore.
• Permanent, appearing in the presence of continuous conditions (aperture in rocks, funnel or trough).
• Instant, arising spontaneously and just as quickly disappearing.
• Movable, moving along the shore. Their appearance can be predicted.

Wind currents appear under the influence of powerful air currents above the surface layer of water. The farther away from the surface, the lower their intensity. In addition to wind, the speed and duration of the current are influenced by the water temperature, depth and bottom relief.

Convection currents near the coast are caused by air currents in the direction of the sea. Warm water, heated by the sun, leaves the shallows. It is replaced by cold water from the depths.

About tides

Tides and ebbs are changes in sea level caused by the mutual attraction of the Sun and the Moon. The movement of these phenomena occurs from east to west. The height depends on many factors, including depth and features of the shoreline. The largest fluctuations are observed in narrow bays.

Recordsmen for the water level difference: the gulfs of Penzhinsky (11 m) and Fundy (16 m). Full and low water - the name of the highest and lowest points of the level. The magnitude of the tide is the difference between these extreme values.

Classification

Depending on the duration of the cycle, tides and ebbs are divided into:

• Semi-diurnal. For 24 hours and 50 minutes there are 2 full and small waters.
• Daily allowance. Over the same period, tide and tide happen once.
• Mixed. Previous versions in pure form are extremely rare. In most cases, the frequency varies, approaching the first, then the second option.

If the Sun and the Moon are on the same line, then their attraction forces add up, forming the maximum values of water level fluctuations. At present, this phenomenon is well studied. The patterns of their distribution throughout the World Ocean are complex. For seafarers, special tables have been created to help determine the magnitude of the ebb and flow in any point of the sea and ocean at a particular day and hour.