The seaward phase of a tidal current, also loosely used for the falling tide. In rivers the ebb carries the freshwater outflow as well, so it often runs longer and stronger than the flood, and spring freshets can make it dominate completely. Ebb against an onshore swell builds dangerous breaking seas on bars and inlets.
Strong ebb on the bar with this westerly swell, nobody crosses until the flood starts.
Ebb over a bar with swell running is the classic recipe for capsizes, which is why small craft time bar crossings for the late flood.
Also heard as
- ebb current
- ebb tide
- ebb stream
Related terms
Flood
Tidal current running in from the sea and up rivers and estuaries, mostly while the water is rising.
Slack water
The short lull when a reversing current almost stops while it swaps between flood and ebb.
Ebb-dominant
Describes an estuary or inlet where ebb currents are stronger than flood currents, pushing sediment seaward.
Wind against tide
Wind blowing opposite to a tidal current, which builds short, steep and sometimes breaking seas.