Deepwater Wave Height Formula:
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Deepwater Wave Height refers to the measurement of the vertical distance between the trough and the crest of a wave in deep water. It is a crucial parameter in coastal engineering and oceanography for understanding wave behavior and its impact on coastal structures.
The calculator uses the formula:
Where:
Explanation: This formula calculates deepwater wave height based on runup measurements and surf similarity parameter, which compares the wave surface slope to the bed slope in the surf zone.
Details: Accurate deepwater wave height estimation is essential for coastal engineering projects, shoreline protection design, and understanding wave energy distribution in offshore environments.
Tips: Enter the average of the highest 1/3 of runups in meters and the deepwater surf similarity parameter. Both values must be positive numbers.
Q1: What is the significance of the highest 1/3 of runups?
A: The highest 1/3 of runups represents the most significant wave impacts on shorelines and is commonly used in coastal engineering for design considerations.
Q2: How is the deepwater surf similarity parameter determined?
A: The deepwater surf similarity parameter is calculated based on wave characteristics and seabed slope, comparing wave surface slope to bed slope in the surf zone.
Q3: What are typical values for deepwater wave height?
A: Deepwater wave heights vary significantly based on location and weather conditions, ranging from less than 1 meter in calm conditions to over 20 meters in extreme storms.
Q4: Are there limitations to this calculation method?
A: This method provides an estimation and may have limitations in complex coastal environments with irregular bathymetry or under extreme wave conditions.
Q5: How accurate is this calculation for engineering purposes?
A: While useful for preliminary estimates, detailed coastal engineering projects typically require more comprehensive wave modeling and field measurements.