Source Term Balance for Finite Depth Wind Waves
Abstract
The long-term goal is to obtain closure of the energy balance equation for wind wave evolution in finite depth watery means of direct measurement of the main source terms. These source terms represent the basic physical processes required to develop reliable finite depth wave prediction models. The objectives are to establish a description of the basic sources/sinks of energy responsible for shallow water wind wave evolution, namely dissipation due to both wave breaking and bottom friction, and wind input. Spectral distribution of white-capping dissipation has not previously been obtained either experimentally or theoretically, and currently, speculative approaches are used to represent this term in wave models. The natural phenomena determining this term are random, non-linear and related to extreme wave conditions and hence are difficult to evaluate in the field. The other two terms have been the subjects of intensive research during the last three decades, although detailed field observations are rare. There is a qualitative understanding of their behaviour, however, no established quantitative description is available.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 30, 2000
- Accession Number
- ADA610001
Entities
People
- Ian R. Young
- Mark M. Donelan
- Michael Banner
Organizations
- Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science