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.