1. What is Water Depth At Breaking?

Water Depth At Breaking is the depth of water where ocean surface waves start to break as they approach the shore which depends on the wave climate and is therefore highly variable.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( db \) — Water Depth at Breaking (m)
• \( Hb \) — Wave Height at Incipient Breaking (m)
• \( \gamma b \) — Breaker Depth Index

Explanation: The formula calculates the water depth at which waves begin to break by dividing the wave height at incipient breaking by the breaker depth index.

3. Importance of Water Depth Calculation

Details: Accurate calculation of water depth at breaking is crucial for coastal engineering, shoreline management, and predicting wave behavior near coastlines.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter Wave Height at Incipient Breaking in meters and Breaker Depth Index. Both values must be positive numbers greater than zero.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is Breaker Depth Index?
A: Breaker Depth Index is the ratio of the wave height at breaking to the water depth at the breakpoint.

Q2: What factors affect the Breaker Depth Index?
A: The breaker depth index varies with wave steepness, bottom slope, and beach composition, typically ranging from 0.78 to 1.2.

Q3: How accurate is this calculation?
A: The calculation provides a theoretical estimate. Actual breaking depth may vary due to local bathymetry, wave conditions, and other environmental factors.

Q4: Can this formula be used for all types of waves?
A: This formula is primarily used for regular waves breaking on uniform slopes. It may not be accurate for irregular waves or complex bathymetry.

Q5: What are typical values for Wave Height at Incipient Breaking?
A: Wave heights at breaking typically range from 0.5 to 4 meters, depending on offshore wave conditions and local bathymetry.