Which event signifies the transition from high to low tide, causing water to flow out of an area?

The transition from high to low tide is marked by the ebb current, which refers specifically to the flow of water moving away from the shoreline as the tide recedes. During this phase, water levels decrease, and the currents generated by this outgoing flow can affect local marine environments and coastal areas. The ebb current is crucial for understanding tidal dynamics, as it can influence navigation, sediment transport, and the behavior of marine organisms that rely on tidal patterns.

In contrast, while the flood current represents the incoming tide and is essential for water moving towards the shore, slack water indicates a period of little to no current when the tide is momentarily stationary at its highest or lowest point. Tidal datum refers to a specific reference level for measuring tide heights but does not describe a current or the tide's transition phase. Thus, the correct answer focuses on the actual movement of water out of an area during the low tide transition.