1. What Is Relative Wavelength?

Relative Wavelength is the ratio of deep-water wavelength to coastal mean depth. It represents the relative distance between corresponding points of two consecutive waves in relation to the water depth.

2. How Does The Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the Relative Wavelength formula:

Where:

• \( \lambda_r \) — Relative Wavelength (dimensionless)
• \( \lambda_o \) — Deep-Water Wavelength (m)
• \( d \) — Coastal Mean Depth (m)

Explanation: This formula calculates the relative wavelength by dividing the deep-water wavelength by the coastal mean depth, providing a dimensionless ratio that describes wave characteristics in relation to water depth.

3. Importance Of Relative Wavelength Calculation

Details: Relative wavelength is crucial in coastal engineering and oceanography for understanding wave behavior, predicting wave breaking conditions, and designing coastal structures. It helps determine how waves transform as they approach shorelines.

4. Using The Calculator

Tips: Enter deep-water wavelength and coastal mean depth in meters. Both values must be positive numbers greater than zero for accurate calculation.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is deep-water wavelength?
A: Deep-water wavelength is the horizontal distance between two successive crests (or troughs) of a wave in deep water conditions where water depth is greater than half the wavelength.

Q2: How is coastal mean depth defined?
A: Coastal mean depth is a measure of the average depth of water in coastal areas, typically representing the depth through which wave energy is distributed.

Q3: What does the relative wavelength indicate?
A: Relative wavelength indicates how wave characteristics change relative to water depth. Lower values typically indicate deeper water conditions, while higher values suggest shallower water effects.

Q4: Are there limitations to this calculation?
A: This calculation provides a simplified ratio and doesn't account for complex coastal bathymetry, wave-current interactions, or non-linear wave effects that may occur in real coastal environments.

Q5: How is relative wavelength used in practical applications?
A: It's used in coastal engineering for breakwater design, beach erosion studies, and predicting wave transformation processes as waves approach the shoreline.