overfalls
Choppy tidal waters
Overfalls are turbulent stretches of water caused by currents flowing over an uneven seabed, or where opposing currents or tides meet.
The term appears in nautical contexts, marking areas where the water surface becomes choppy or dangerous: The chart warned of overfalls near the headland.
Overfalls can also refer to a dam or weir where water spills over the top.
Non-propagating periodic disturbances
- eddiesCounter-flowing circular currents
- churningAgitated circular motion
- roilingChurning with turbulence
- whirlpoolRotating water formation
maelstrom · swirls · vortex · undertow · boils · upwelling · surge · agitation
Water movement driven by tides
- flood tideIncoming tidal flow
- ebb tideReceding ocean current
- spring tideExtreme tidal fluctuation
- neap tideLowest tidal range
tidal range · current · slack water · flow · tidal bore · estuary · channel · narrows
Data shown visually
- buoyTethered nautical signal
- markerSomething that signals location
- waypointNavigation reference location
- GPSSatellite-based location technology
tide table · bearings · soundings · nautical chart · skipper
Navigating slim watercraft seated
- sea kayakingPaddling enclosed craft in ocean
- surfingRiding waves standing up
- wave ridingSport on ocean swells
- thrill seekingPursuing excitement through danger
paddling · adventure · playboating · expedition · open water · challenge · skill
Shallow water hazard
- reefUnderwater rock or coral formation
- barDrinking establishment
- shallowWithout much depth
- obstructionSomething blocking the way
sandbar · rocky bottom · ledge · pinnacle · bank · spit · danger zone · uncharted
standing waves
Non-propagating periodic disturbances
- eddiesCounter-flowing circular currents
- churningAgitated circular motion
- roilingChurning with turbulence
whirlpool · maelstrom · swirls · vortex · undertow · boils · upwelling · surge · agitation · backwash
tidal stream
Water movement driven by tides
- flood tideIncoming tidal flow
- ebb tideReceding ocean current
- spring tideExtreme tidal fluctuation
neap tide · tidal range · current · slack water · flow · tidal bore · estuary · channel · narrows · strait
chart
Data shown visually
- buoyTethered nautical signal
- markerSomething that signals location
- waypointNavigation reference location
GPS · tide table · bearings · soundings · nautical chart · skipper
kayaking
Navigating slim watercraft seated
- sea kayakingPaddling enclosed craft in ocean
- surfingRiding waves standing up
- wave ridingSport on ocean swells
thrill seeking · paddling · adventure · playboating · expedition · open water · challenge · skill
shoal
Shallow water hazard
obstruction · sandbar · rocky bottom · ledge · pinnacle · bank · spit · danger zone · uncharted · caution
overfallscalm seas
Flat, waveless ocean
flat water · still water · slack water · dead calm · sheltered waters
overfallssafe passage
Protected transit through danger
clear water · navigable waters · sheltered waters · lee shore · safe harbor
fall, over, falls, waterfall, overflow, overflowing, overflowed, overfill, overspill