Analysis and Modeling of Surfzone Turbulence and Bubbles
Abstract
Turbulence in the surfzone and nearshore mixes momentum vertically, transmits stress to the sea bed, influences the structure of the cross- and alongshore currents, and controls the suspension of sediment from the sea bed. In many coastal and shelf environments, the sea-bed is the primary source of turbulence due to bottom induced shear. In the surfzone, the breaking-wave generated turbulence likely dominates over bottom generated turbulence. However, the dynamics of turbulence in the nearshore and surfzone under breaking waves is poorly understood. Realistic three-dimensional simulations of surfzone hydrodynamics and sediment transport, which are currently being attempted, for example, in the recent nearshore NOPP project, will not be possible without at least a rudimentary understanding of nearshore turbulence dynamics. Long term goals include addressing some of the unresolved science issues through analysis and modeling of existing field measurements to quantify turbulence dynamics.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 29, 2006
- Accession Number
- ADA459822
Entities
People
- Falk Feddersen