Rip current and beach circulation hazards in Vung Tau beach - Vietnam

Abstract

Vung Tau Beach in Vietnam is well-known place for million tourists to visit and enjoy annually. However, each year, thousands of beach goers have been drown by rip currents and beach circulation. In this paper, the authors have investigated and identified the characteristics of the rip current and beach circulation hazards in Vung Tau Beach using satellite images and numerical model. It is found that, the occurrence of rip currents and beach circulation depends on the change of tidal level, wave attack and bottom topography seasonally. Two main types of rip flow including the “exit flow” and the “circulation flow” have been identified. The effects of the groin structure and remaining hard rock on rip currents have been also investigated.