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:

• Setup At The Still-Water Shore Line — Increase in mean water level due to the presence of breaking waves (m)
• Set Down At The Breaker Point — Wave-induced decrease of the mean water level before the waves break (m)
• Coastal Breaker Depth Index — Ratio of the wave height at breaking to the water depth at the breakpoint

Explanation: This formula calculates the water depth where waves begin to break based on setup, setdown, and breaker depth index parameters.

3. Importance Of Water Depth At Breaking Calculation

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

4. Using The Calculator

Tips: Enter setup and setdown values in meters, and coastal breaker depth index as a dimensionless ratio. All values must be valid positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What factors influence water depth at breaking?
A: Wave height, wave period, seabed slope, and bottom friction all influence the depth at which waves break.

Q2: How does coastal breaker depth index affect the calculation?
A: The breaker depth index represents the ratio of wave height to water depth at breaking, typically ranging from 0.7 to 1.3 for different wave conditions.

Q3: What is the difference between setup and setdown?
A: Setup is the increase in mean water level shoreward of the breakpoint, while setdown is the decrease in mean water level seaward of the breakpoint.

Q4: Are there limitations to this calculation method?
A: This method provides an estimation and may need adjustment for complex bathymetry or unusual wave conditions.

Q5: How is this calculation used in practical applications?
A: It's used in coastal engineering for designing structures, predicting shoreline changes, and assessing coastal flood risks.