Ebb Tide

The falling phase of the tide between high water and the following low water.

Ebb describes changing water level; the associated horizontal flow is an ebb tidal stream. The stream may continue after local high or low water, reverse at a different time, or follow a channel rather than simply flowing directly away from the shore.

Range and timing vary with astronomical tide, geography and weather. Spring tides often have a larger range than neaps, but the strongest stream, lowest depth and exposed ground must be determined from local predictions and observations rather than from the word “ebb” alone.

Terms with the same meaning:
Ebbing Tide, Ebb