Development of a Two-Dimensional Hydrodynamic Model to Simulate Rip Currents in the Bai Dai-Cam Ranh Coast, Vietnam

Authors

  • Ngo Nam Thinh

    1. Department of Oceanology, Meteorology and Hydrology, Faculty of Physics-Engineering Physics, University of Science, Ho Chi Minh City 700000, Vietnam; 2. Viet Nam National University-Ho Chi Minh, Ho Chi Minh City 700000, Vietnam; 3. Faculty of Environment, Ho Chi Minh City University of Natural Resources and Environment, Ho Chi Minh City 700000, Vietnam
  • Nguyen Thi Bay

    Institute of Applied Technology and Sustainable Development, Nguyen Tat Thanh University, Ho Chi Minh City 700000, Vietnam

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.30564/jees.v7i4.8574
Received: 27 January 2025 | Revised: 13 February 2025 | Accepted: 14 February 2025 | Published Online: 31 March 2025

Abstract

Rip currents are a significant threat to swimmers worldwide, responsible for numerous drowning incidents each year. In Vietnam, Bai Dai Beach in Cam Ranh Bay, Khanh Hoa Province, has experienced an increase in drowning events due to rip currents in recent years. To address this issue, a comprehensive study was conducted based on developing a depth-averaged 2D hydrodynamic model to simulate rip currents in the Bai Dai-Cam Ranh coast. The HYDIST-2D numerical model was applied to simulate the rip current evolution in space and time for the study area. The results showed that the HYDIST-2D numerical model can accurately predict the location, magnitude, and microstructure of rip currents, including rip current speed, width, and length. The simulation results revealed that the rip current speed is greater during the low tide phase, with an average speed of 0.5 m s–1, while during high tide, the rip current speed is lower, around 0.1–0.8 m s–1. The width and length of the rip current also vary with the tide phase, with a wider and longer rip current observed during the low tide phase. The results also showed that the rip current speed and microstructure are influenced by the wave features, tide current, and bathymetry of the study area. The present study provides valuable insights into the dynamics of rip currents in the Bai Dai-Cam Ranh coast. The findings can be used to support the management of bathing activities and provide early warnings for potential risks associated with rip currents.

Keywords:

HYDIST Model; Swimmers; Rip; Hydrodynamic Factors; Breaking Waves

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How to Cite

Ngo Nam Thinh, & Nguyen Thi Bay. (2025). Development of a Two-Dimensional Hydrodynamic Model to Simulate Rip Currents in the Bai Dai-Cam Ranh Coast, Vietnam. Journal of Environmental & Earth Sciences, 7(4), 203–216. https://doi.org/10.30564/jees.v7i4.8574

Issue

Vol. 7 , Iss. 4 (April 2025): In Progress

Article Type

Article

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Copyright © 2025 Ngo Nam Thinh, Nguyen Thi Bay

Creative Commons License

This is an open access article under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0) License.

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