Nonlinear Interaction in Ocean Surface Waves.
Abstract
The immediate scientific objective of this project was to investigate the effects of nonlinearity in naturally occurring ocean surface gravity waves in intermediate and shallow water depths. Field observations of nonlinear effects on finite-depth waves were compared to model predictions and the changes in shapes of waves in the nearshore caused by near-resonant nonlinear wave-wave interactions were investigated. Results from this study show that waves propagating over a shallow, flat beach undergo much stronger nonlinear evolution than observed in previous experiments on moderately sloping beaches. The observed nonlinear energy transfers to higher frequencies (frequency doubling) are well described by a Boussinesq model. Reflection of low energy swell and dissipation owing to wave breaking are predicted accurately by a model based on the nonlinear shallow water equations.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 18, 1997
- Accession Number
- ADA324083
Entities
People
- Stephen L. Elgar
Organizations
- Washington State University