Deepwater Surf Similarity Parameter Given Runup Calculator

Deepwater Surf Similarity Parameter Formula:

\[ \varepsilon_0 = \left( \frac{R_{2\%}}{H_d \times 1.86} \right)^{1/0.71} \]

Deepwater Surf Similarity Parameter:

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1. What is the Deepwater Surf Similarity Parameter?

The Deepwater Surf Similarity Parameter compares the wave surface slope to the bed slope in the surf zone and represents important features of the hydrodynamics of the surf zone. It is a dimensionless parameter used in coastal engineering to characterize wave breaking behavior.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the Deepwater Surf Similarity Parameter equation:

\[ \varepsilon_0 = \left( \frac{R_{2\%}}{H_d \times 1.86} \right)^{1/0.71} \]

Where:

\( \varepsilon_0 \) — Deepwater Surf Similarity Parameter (dimensionless)
\( R_{2\%} \) — Runup exceeded by 2 percent of the runup crests (meters)
\( H_d \) — Deepwater wave height (meters)

Explanation: The equation calculates the surf similarity parameter based on the relationship between wave runup statistics and deepwater wave characteristics.

3. Importance of Surf Similarity Parameter Calculation

Details: The surf similarity parameter is crucial for predicting wave breaking types, estimating wave runup, designing coastal structures, and understanding sediment transport processes in the surf zone.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter runup exceeded by 2% of runup crests in meters and deepwater wave height in meters. Both values must be positive numbers greater than zero.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What does the surf similarity parameter indicate?
A: The parameter indicates the type of wave breaking: spilling (ε₀ < 0.5), plunging (0.5 < ε₀ < 3.3), or surging (ε₀ > 3.3).

Q2: How is the 2% runup value determined?
A: The 2% runup value is the level exceeded by only 2% of the measured runup events, typically obtained from field measurements or wave tank experiments.

Q3: What are typical values for the surf similarity parameter?
A: Typical values range from 0.1 to 10, with lower values indicating more gentle breaking and higher values indicating more violent breaking.

Q4: Are there limitations to this equation?
A: The equation works best for regular wave conditions and may need adjustment for irregular waves or complex bathymetry.

Q5: How is this parameter used in coastal engineering?
A: It's used to design coastal structures, predict wave overtopping, estimate beach erosion, and model nearshore hydrodynamics.