Correlation of Breaking Wave Characteristics with Energy Dissipation.

Lekshmi G.R. and Sannasiraj S.A., 2007. Correlation of Breaking Wave Characteristics with Energy Dissipation. Journal of Coastal Research, SI 50 (Proceedings of the 9th International Coastal Symposium), 307 – 311. Gold Coast, Australia, ISSN 0749.0208 It is well accepted that wave breaking has a dominant role on the dynamics of upper layers of the ocean. While a lot has been learnt about wave breaking including the kinematics and dynamics of mixing, wave energy losses and ambient noise, there are many issues that are yet to be resolved These include the issue relating the energy dissipation with the wave spectral characteristics. In the present paper, the dependence of intensity of wave breaking on the energy dissipation has been studied. The simulation of wave breaking has been carried using constructive wave-wave interaction approach. The various intensities of breaking ranging from plunging to spilling have been generated in the controlled laboratory wave flume. The energy dissipation has been measured by tracing the water surface from pre-breaking to post-breaking zone. The results showed a noted difference in the amount of energy dissipation with the intensity of breaking. The study also reveals that wave breaking results in redistribution of spectral energy. Energy loss is found to be more towards the high frequency end. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]