The Assessment of Rip Current at Kerachut Beach using Hydrodynamic Modelling
KerachutBeach is a beautiful beach in Penang National Park (PNP). However, this beach is categorised as one of dangerous beach for swimming activities in Malaysia due to the drowning incidents reported almost every year. The steep beach slope and rip current were among the factors that lead to this incident. Using bathymetry profile, current, tidal and sediment data collected at site incorporated with UKMO wave data analysis, the hydrodynamic pattern was simulated using Mike 21 modelling software. Result from the model showed the evidence of rip current existence along the coastline. It showed that this rip current events occurred during spring tide phase when the flow change from Flood to Ebb. During this period, the current tends to move parallel to the shoreline with maximum speed of 0.3m/s which is capable to swipe away a swimmer. The bathymetry profile at Kerachut is very steep and dangerous to swimmers since there is a 4-meter sudden plunge just meters away from the shoreline.
Authors
Abstract
KerachutBeach is a beautiful beach in Penang National Park (PNP). However, this beach is categorised as one of dangerous beach for swimming activities in Malaysia due to the drowning incidents reported almost every year. The steep beach slope and rip current were among the factors that lead to this incident. Using bathymetry profile, current, tidal and sediment data collected at site incorporated with UKMO wave data analysis, the hydrodynamic pattern was simulated using Mike 21 modelling software. Result from the model showed the evidence of rip current existence along the coastline. It showed that this rip current events occurred during spring tide phase when the flow change from Flood to Ebb. During this period, the current tends to move parallel to the shoreline with maximum speed of 0.3m/s which is capable to swipe away a swimmer. The bathymetry profile at Kerachut is very steep and dangerous to swimmers since there is a 4-meter sudden plunge just meters away from the shoreline.
Citation
Wan Ahmad Hafiz Wan Ahmad Azhary, Nor Aslinda Awang, Mohd Radzi Abd Hamid. 2016. The Assessment of Rip Current at Kerachut Beach using Hydrodynamic Modelling. Digital NAHRIM Publication Repository.