Introduction to KMA Operational Forecasting System for Rip Current

ABSTRACT Eom, H.; Yun, J.H.; Jeong, C.K.; Seo, J.W., and You, S.H., 2014. Introduction to KMA operational forecasting system for rip current. A rip current, commonly referred to simply as a rip, is a strong channel of sea water flowing seaward from the near the shore, typically through the surf line. Rip currents can be found on the Haeundae Beach every year and make a very large number of rescues each year (106 in 2009, 144 in 2010 and 220 in 2012). The main reasons that it is present on the Haeundae Beach are the geographical factor, wide surf zone and mild slope, and meteorological factor, seasonal southern wind and normal waves. When waves travel normal from deep to shallow water, there is a greater than normal transport of wave energy into a surf zone which may result in an elevated rip current risk. Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) developed a rip current forecast system that considers bathymetric and meteorological effect through Research and Development program. The system is based on hig...