Publication

Numerical simulations of wave setup over barred beach profiles: Implications for predictability

Abstract
Numerical simulations of cross‐shore wave transformation and associated wave setup were performed for 100,000 realistic combinations of wave height, period and beach profile. Results of numerical simulations were compared to a widely‐used empirical predictor of wave setup and the outcome was a large variability in setup relative to that calculated by the empirical predictor. The variability, comparable in magnitude to the scatter around the empirical predictor developed with field observations, arose from unaccounted‐for wave energy dissipation over the cross‐shore profile. The beachface slope commonly used in empirical predictors can be a poor descriptor of wave transformation across the beach profile where most of the wave energy dissipation and setup generation occurs. Shoreline setup appears to be far more dependent on accurate characterisation of the offshore profile (e.g. bar location and depth) than the beach face slope.
Type
Journal Article
Type of thesis
Series
Citation
Sephens, S.A., Coco, G. & Bryan, K.R. (2010). Numerical simulations of wave setup over barred beach profiles: Implications for predictability. Journal of Waterway, Port, Coastal, and Ocean Engineering, available online 20 October 2010.
Date
2010
Publisher
American Society of Civil Engineers
Degree
Supervisors
Rights