Coupling of Wave and Circulation Numerical Models at Grays Harbor Entrance, Washington, USA
Abstract
The interaction of waves and currents at an inlet entrance can be significant. Traditionally, numerical modelers have separated the processes of tidal circulation and wave transformation, but the surf zone and inlet are areas where the interactions are strong and should be numerically simulated to capture the resulting hydrodynamics. This paper describes performance of coupled wave and circulation models for both an idealized inlet setting and an application for Grays Harbor, Washington, concentrating on the influence of waves on currents. A comparison of tidal current simulations to tidal-plus-wave-induced current simulations shows that the interactions create gyres, longshore currents, rip currents, and "shadow zones" of relatively weak currents. It is concluded that accurate simulation of the hydrodynamics at coastal inlets requires coupling of wave and circulation models.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 2002
- Accession Number
- ADA483367
Entities
People
- Adele Militello
- Mary A. Cialone
- Mitchell E. Brown
- Nicholas C. Kraus
Organizations
- Engineer Research and Development Center