This study characterizes the morphometric configuration of embayed beaches along the coast of the state of Santa Catarina, southern Brazil, and offers a theoretical assessment of rip current potential based on the degree of coastal confinement. A total of 74 embayments were analyzed using the embayment scale parameter (δ′), which combines shoreline length, bay width, and wave breaking height to quantify the topographic control on coastal circulation. High δ′ values correspond to morphologically exposed beaches with diffuse circulation, whereas low δ′ values correspond to highly embayed beaches with a greater likelihood of developing topographically controlled rip cells. Principal Component Regression (PCR) confirmed that δ′ effectively represents the morphometric gradient and differentiates the three dominant circulation regimes — normal, transitional, and cellular – along the northern, central, and southern coastal segments. The analysis also revealed regional contrasts, with a higher concentration of highly embayed beaches in the central and southern portions of the coast, particularly around Santa Catarina Island. The results reinforce the role of coastal morphology in shaping circulation patterns and provide a quantitative basis for identifying embayments with greater theoretical susceptibility to megarip formation. The proposed methodology represents a practical, low-cost tool to support coastal zoning and risk management in morphodynamically diverse environments.
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