Engineering Study of Inlet Entrance Hydrodynamics: Grays Harbor, Washington, USA
Abstract
An extensive field data collection effort was undertaken in Fall 1999 to examine wave propagation and currents through an inlet entrance. These data support a circulation and wave model for Grays Harbor, Washington, a jettied entrance with a large tidal prism. Both the field data and model results show wave attenuation in the inlet entrance, flood currents strongest on the north side of the inlet, and ebb currents more uniformly distributed. The influence of the tidal current and water level on wave transformation was also examined. Ebb current produces the greatest change at the inlet entrance, increasing wave heights by as much as 0.5-1.5 m. Flood current increases wave height at the seaward end of the entrance due to the ebb shoal redirecting flow offshore, but reduces wave height in the inlet throat. Water level has a minimal impact on wave height in the inlet entrance, but does control wave height in the back bay.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 2001
- Accession Number
- ADA482439
Entities
People
- Mary A. Cialone
- Nicholas C. Kraus
Organizations
- Engineer Research and Development Center