Improved Paramerizations of Triad and Quartet Interactions in Spectral Wind-Wave Models

Abstract

This study was to improve parameterization for 3 and 4 wave nonlinear interactions in shallow water. Models for wave shoaling were improved and tested. The improved models have increased skill in predicting the observed evolution of wave breaking and evolution across the shoaling region and surf zone. In addition, during this study it was discovered that there is a large increase in directional spreading of waves as they propagate across the surf zone. Also, this study showed that nonlinear interactions transfer energy from swell and sea waves to higher frequency motions, where presumably dissipation takes place. Consequently, wave breaking in the surf zone includes a nonlinear energy transfer from lower-frequency sea and swell to higher-frequency motions, followed by dissipation of the higher frequency motions.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Nov 07, 2001
Accession Number
ADA396116

Entities

People

  • Steve Elgar

Organizations

  • Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Energy and Power Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Abstracts
  • Directional
  • Doppler Effect
  • Electrical Solitons
  • Energy
  • Energy Transfer
  • Frequency
  • Frequency Shift
  • Gravity Waves
  • Military Research
  • Personal Information Managers
  • Physical Oceanography
  • Shallow Water
  • Water
  • Waves

Readers

  • Atmospheric Science / Meteorology, specifically Wind Wave Turbulence.