ebb tides
Ocean pulling back
Ebb tides are the periodic movements of seawater away from shore as the tide falls from high to low.
During an ebb tide, water recedes, exposing more beach, rocks, and tidal flats.
The term contrasts with flood tides, which bring water toward shore.
Figuratively, ebb tide suggests decline or withdrawal: His influence was at ebb tide after the scandal.
The singular ebb tide appears in similar contexts.
- recedeMove back from
- outflowFluid exiting a system
- intertidalZone between high and low watermarks
- retreatSanctuary or withdrawal
- mudflatExposed shore sediment
ocean floor · neap · low water · going out · drawbacks · slack water · lunar cycles · salt marshes · estuaries · coastal erosion · sea level · coastal retreat · fading · waning · decline · rips · gravitational forces · mangroves
- tidesslack water, flow, Bay of Fundy, chart datum, mean sea level
ebb tidesflood tides
Incoming tidal surges
high tides · spring tides · tidal surge · tidal bore · flood
ebb tidesrising tide
Ocean level increasing
surge · flood tide · crescendo · ascent · groundswell