Aerial photograph of complex nearshore circulation near Scripps and La Jolla Submarine Canyons on the Southern California coast. There is a strong offshore flowing rip current to the south (left) of the 340-m long Scripps Institution of Oceanography pier, as well as smaller jets, eddies, and meanders (eg, outside the surfzone (white foam) north of the pier). Recent rains resulted in a strong color contrast between sediment-laden nearshore water and the clearer blue waters farther offshore.

During NCEX models for horizontal surfzone and swashzone circulation will be compared with observations acquired with in situ sensors, drifters, and remote sensors located on the shoreline and overhead.