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Glossary of Terms

The cultivation of aquatic organisms.

A strong surface current flowing seaward from the shore. It usually appears as a visible band of agitated water and is the return movement of water piled up on the shore by incoming waves and winds. With the seaward movement concentrated in a limited band its velocity is somewhat accumulated. A rip consists of three parts: the feeder currents flowing parallel to the shore inside the breakers; the neck, there the feeder currents converge and flow through the breakers in a narrow band or "rip"; and the head of rip, where the current widens and slackens outside of the breaker line. A rip current is often miscalled a rip tide.

Berm Breakwater

Rubble mound structure with horizontal berm of armor stones at about sea level, which is allowed to be (re)shaped by the waves.

Erosion Watch Spots

Areas where the coastal environment will soon be threatened if shoreline erosion trends continue.

Sediment Source

Point or area on a coast from which beach material is supplied, such as an eroding cliff, or river mouth.

Reef breakwater

Rubble mound of single-sized stones with a crest at or below sea level which is allowed to be (re)shaped by the waves.

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