Longshore Current At Mid-Surf Zone Calculator

Longshore Current Formula:

\[ V_{mid} = 1.17 \times \sqrt{g \times H_{rms}} \times \sin(\alpha) \times \cos(\alpha) \]

Longshore Current at Mid-Surf Zone (Vmid):

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1. What is Longshore Current at Mid-Surf Zone?

Longshore Current at the Mid-Surf Zone is the current generated when a train of waves reaches the coastline and releases bursts of energy. It plays a crucial role in coastal sediment transport and beach morphology.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the Longshore Current formula:

\[ V_{mid} = 1.17 \times \sqrt{g \times H_{rms}} \times \sin(\alpha) \times \cos(\alpha) \]

Where:

\( V_{mid} \) — Longshore Current at Mid-Surf Zone (m/s)
\( g \) — Gravitational acceleration (9.80665 m/s²)
\( H_{rms} \) — Root Mean Square Wave Height (m)
\( \alpha \) — Wave Crest Angle (radians)

Explanation: The formula calculates the velocity of longshore currents based on wave energy and approach angle.

3. Importance of Longshore Current Calculation

Details: Accurate longshore current estimation is essential for coastal engineering, beach management, navigation safety, and understanding sediment transport patterns along shorelines.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter Root Mean Square Wave Height in meters and Wave Crest Angle in radians. Both values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is Root Mean Square Wave Height?
A: Root Mean Square Wave Height is a parameter influencing the Breaker Height Index that is commonly used to define the wave height at breaking in the saturated zones.

Q2: Why is the wave crest angle important?
A: Wave Crest Angle determines the direction and magnitude of wave energy component that drives longshore currents along the coastline.

Q3: What are typical values for longshore currents?
A: Longshore currents typically range from 0.1 to 2.0 m/s, depending on wave conditions and beach characteristics.

Q4: How does this relate to coastal erosion?
A: Longshore currents are the primary mechanism for alongshore sediment transport, which directly influences patterns of coastal erosion and accretion.

Q5: Are there limitations to this equation?
A: The formula provides an estimation and may not account for all local bathymetric effects, wave-current interactions, or complex shoreline configurations.