Tidal modulation of the spatial flow pattern
The modulation of the rip current properties with the tide was
analysed using several drifter deployments that were conducted in
series (n = 5) within one (3 h) session. Under the assumption that
the wave field did not change significantly over this period (which
was the case for this experiment), the varying offshore extents of the
rip current were attributed to the tidal modulation.With falling water
levels the rip current extended further offshore (Fig. 8a) whilst with
rising water levels the rip current extent was decreased (Fig. 8b).