Rip currents

Source-This post on Rip currents is based on the article “INCOIS, ISRO to study rip currents for safer beaches” published in “The Hindu” on 18th February 2024.

Why in the News?

Recently, The Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) have initiated a joint project aimed at the surveillance and issuance of operational forecast alerts regarding rip currents.

What are Rip currents?

1. About– Rip currents are strong currents that flow from the shore back to the open sea or lake. They present a widely recognized coastal hazard on beaches worldwide.

2. Formation:
a. They form due to beach shapes and can happen in rocky or sandy beach areas.
b. Beach topography encompasses land features such as dunes and water features like sandbars, piers, and reefs, where rip currents often form.
c. They may form in spaces between sandbars, piers, or sections of a reef.

3. Hazards for swimmers and beachgoers:
a. Rip currents are one of the most significant hazards for beachgoers and swimmers, as they can swiftly carry people out to sea.
b. However, it’s important to note that rip currents do not pull swimmers underwater; rather, they pull swimmers away from the shore.

What is Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS)?

1. About– INCOIS is an autonomous organization under the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES).

2. Location & Establishment– It is located in Hyderabad & was established in 1999.

3. Mandate– It is mandated to provide the best possible ocean information and advisory services to society, industry, government agencies and the scientific community.

UPSC Syllabus- Geography