A Critical Review of Challenges and opportunities in Using Remote Sensing and Image Processing for Rip Current Studies

Valipour, Azadeh

doi:10.22034/ijcoe.2025.516768.1161

A Critical Review of Challenges and opportunities in Using Remote Sensing and Image Processing for Rip Current Studies

Document Type : Original Research Article

Author

Azadeh Valipour

Department of Marine Science and Technology, Jouybar Branch, Islamic Azad University, Jouybar, Iran

10.22034/ijcoe.2025.516768.1161

Abstract

Rip currents, often appearing as mushroom-shaped features within the surf zone, are a primary cause of swimmer drownings along beaches worldwide. Due to their transient nature, the application of advanced remote sensing and computer vision techniques for localized detection of these phenomena significantly mitigates the limitations traditionally associated with their study. In addition to these methods, the emergence of machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI) techniques provides powerful tools for a more precise investigation of rip currents, offering substantial support to remote sensing approaches and enhancing the efficiency of coastal lifeguard operations on larger scales. This study aims to present a comprehensive review of the relevant literature from 2014 to 2023, evaluating both traditional and modern approaches to analyzing the behavior of these coastal currents. Particular emphasis is placed on examining the conducted studies, including details on the categorization of research objectives, comparison of various tools, and exploration of associated opportunities and challenges.

Keywords

Rip currents

surf zone

remote sensing

machine learning

artificial intelligence

Subjects