Scientists focus in on deadly rip currents to understand dangers
Scientists focus in on deadly rip currents to understand dangers OregonLive
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If you’ve ever waded into the ocean for a swim and suddenly realized that the shore is getting farther away, not closer, you may have encountered a rip current.
If you’ve ever waded into the ocean for a swim and suddenly realized that the shore is getting farther away, not closer, you may have encountered a rip current. Common at beaches worldwide, these powerful currents flow from the shore toward the sea at speeds up to several feet per second.
Rip currents and their impact on drownings
It’s important to know what rip currents are and how to look for them, because they are a leading cause of drownings in the surf zone near shore. According to one recent estimate, rip currents have accounted for 435 drownings in the U.S. since 2017. (A Beaverton teen died earlier this year in a rip current.)
Forecasting and understanding rip currents
National Weather Service offices that serve coastal communities issue forecasts that predict where and when rip currents are likely to occur. Those forecasts draw on decades of research into the physics of rip currents. Many scholars, including our research group, are finding innovative ways to discover more about rip currents – including their important roles in coastal marine ecosystems.
Not all rip currents are the same
Rip currents are narrow currents in the surf zone that move quickly away from shore.
Different types of rip currents
All rip currents have similar effects, but they can form in several ways.
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One type of rip, known as a bathymetric or channel rip current, forms when there are gaps between breaking waves. As waves break, they push water toward the beach and raise the level of the water slightly.
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If waves break on a sandbar, but not in a deeper channel that cuts through the sandbar, the extra water that the waves have pushed toward the beach escapes back to the ocean through the channel. The flow of the escaping water acts like a conveyor belt, moving water, unsuspecting swimmers and small marine organisms offshore.
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Another type, known as a transient or flash rip current, forms when surf is choppy. The edges of breaking waves push on the water and make it spin, like a fast ice skater bumping into someone.
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This creates whirls known as eddies, which can combine to form larger whirls, with currents that act like temporary conveyor belts. Flash rip currents are an active area of research.
Swim, float, call for help
Choosing beaches with lifeguards and paying attention to beach flag warnings are the best ways to avoid rip currents. However, if you get caught in one, here are some techniques for getting safely back to shore.
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Think of a rip current as a swift river cutting through the surf away from the shore. Swimming against the current is going to tire you out and put you at risk of drowning. Instead, swim parallel to the beach – think of heading for the “river banks” – until you are out of the rip current’s pull. Once you’re no longer fighting it, you can swim back to shore.
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Another strategy is to float until the rip current carries you offshore beyond the breaking waves. Rip currents slow down here, so you can swim away from the rip current and back to shore.
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If you believe you’re in danger, try to stay calm. Wave your arms and call for help. If you see someone caught in a rip current,
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
SDGs Targets Indicators SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being Target 3.4: By 2030, reduce by one-third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being No specific indicators mentioned in the article SDG 14: Life Below Water Target 14.2: By 2020, sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems to avoid significant adverse impacts, including by strengthening their resilience, and take action for their restoration in order to achieve healthy and productive oceans No specific indicators mentioned in the article SDG 15: Life on Land Target 15.5: Take urgent and significant action to reduce the degradation of natural habitats, halt the loss of biodiversity, and protect and prevent the extinction of threatened species No specific indicators mentioned in the article 1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
- SDG 14: Life Below Water
- SDG 15: Life on Land
The article discusses the dangers of rip currents in relation to drownings, which is connected to the goal of promoting good health and well-being (SDG 3). It also highlights the ecological role of rip currents in redistributing marine organisms and debris, which relates to the goals of protecting marine and coastal ecosystems (SDG 14) and preventing the loss of biodiversity (SDG 15).
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- Target 3.4: By 2030, reduce by one-third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being
- Target 14.2: By 2020, sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems to avoid significant adverse impacts, including by strengthening their resilience, and take action for their restoration in order to achieve healthy and productive oceans
- Target 15.5: Take urgent and significant action to reduce the degradation of natural habitats, halt the loss of biodiversity, and protect and prevent the extinction of threatened species
The article indirectly addresses Target 3.4 by highlighting the risks of drownings caused by rip currents and the importance of understanding how to identify and respond to them. It also touches on Target 14.2 by discussing the ecological role of rip currents in redistributing marine organisms and debris. Additionally, it relates to Target 15.5 by emphasizing the need to protect and prevent the loss of biodiversity in coastal ecosystems.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
No specific indicators are mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets.
The article primarily focuses on providing information about rip currents, their formation, and safety measures to take when encountering them. It does not discuss specific indicators or measurement methods related to the targets.
4. Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
SDGs Targets Indicators SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being Target 3.4: By 2030, reduce by one-third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being No specific indicators mentioned in the article SDG 14: Life Below Water Target 14.2: By 2020, sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems to avoid significant adverse impacts, including by strengthening their resilience, and take action for their restoration in order to achieve healthy and productive oceans No specific indicators mentioned in the article SDG 15: Life on Land Target 15.5: Take urgent and significant action to reduce the degradation of natural habitats, halt the loss of biodiversity, and protect and prevent the extinction of threatened species No specific indicators mentioned in the article Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: oregonlive.com
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