Tidal Current Effects on the Wave Trasnformation and Runup

Abstract

Surf-zone hydrodynamics in both field observations and laboratory experiments have been commonly investigated in wave-dominant cases, in which tidal influences are negligible. On the contrary, intensive field and laboratory studies on macro-tidal environments are less common. Such investigations are needed to better understand complicated hydrodynamics under strong interactions of coastal waves, tidal cycles and sediment processes. The goal of this study is to understand tidal current effect on wave transformation including breaking and runup on the beach in both ebb and flood tides using laboratory experiment and numerical modeling. Two-dimensional laboratory experiments were conducted on 1:50 sloped beach with waves and currents. Capacitance type wave gages and electromagnetic current meter were used to measure wave heights, runup, and current speeds. COBRAS (COrnell Breaking waves And Structures), RANS based numerical model, was used to simulate hydrodynamics including wave transformation and runup in the condition of waves with strong currents. Both results from the experiments and the numerical simulations are to be shown in the presentation.acro-tidal environments are less common. Such investigations are needed to better understand complicated hydrodynamics under strong interactions of coastal waves, tidal cycles and sediment processes. The goal of this study is to understand tidal current effect on wave transformation including breaking and runup on the beach in both ebb and flood tides using laboratory experiment and numerical modeling. Two-dimensional laboratory experiments were conducted on 1:50 sloped beach with waves and currents. Capacitance type wave gages and electromagnetic current meter were used to measure wave heights, runup, and current speeds. COBRAS (COrnell Breaking waves And Structures), RANS based numerical model, was used to simulate hydrodynamics including wave transformation and runup in the condition of waves with strong currents. Both r